The Denver Broncos defeated the Minnesota Vikings 21-20 on Sunday Night Football in Week 11, improving to 5-5 after a 1-5 start. Here are five quick takeaways from the team’s fourth straight win.
1
Ja'Quan McMillian is a rising star
Ja’Quan McMillian has been fantastic since taking over the slot role in early October. After an interception and another fumble recovery on Sunday, the second-year cornerback now has three pass breakups, five tackles behind the line of scrimmage, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble this season. McMillian is a play-making defensive back who has been a huge part of Denver’s defensive turnaround.
2
Courtland Sutton does it again
Courtland Sutton made multiple big catches on Sunday night, including an impressive catch for Denver’s go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Sutton now has eight touchdowns this year, and he’s likely on his way to the Pro Bowl.
3
Kareem Jackson might face discipline again
Kareem Jackson just crunched Josh Dobbs pic.twitter.com/OuEER1vLHD
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 20, 2023
Immediately after returning from a two-game suspension for repeated unnecessary roughness offenses, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson launched himself helmet first into Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs on Sunday. The play was not penalized during the game, but the NFL often hands out retroactive fines after reviewing game film. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson get another fine and, as a repeat offender, he might be looking at another suspension.
4
Russell Wilson is clutch
The offense — including Russell Wilson — was not pretty for most of Sunday’s game. But when it mattered most, with the game on the line, Wilson led a 10-play, 75-yard drive in just over two minutes for a go-ahead touchdown against Minnesota. Wilson is a gamer and despite his flaws, there’s no denying that he’s a clutch quarterback in the fourth quarter.
5
The playoffs are within reach
There’s a lot of football left to be played, and we’re not counting our chickens before they’re hatched. We’re not guaranteeing that Denver will make the playoffs, but such a scenario is becoming more feasible each week. Now 5-5, the Broncos are currently the 10th seed in the AFC. One team above them (Indianapolis) has the same record and three teams above them (Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Houston) have just one more win. There’s still a lot of work left to be done, but Denver is legitimately back in the playoff hunt.
