The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers went into Thursday night with only four days rest for each team, and it showed for the Broncos. Denver showed a lot of spirit in the first half, but only scored six points after halftime, which doomed the team.
We take a look at the studs and duds from the Broncos’ prime-time loss.
Stud: QB Bo Nix
Nix had a good game overall, going 29-of-40 for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Nix looked sharp in the first half, leading the team to three straight touchdown drives to start the game, but then the offense completely stalled after halftime, which wasn’t completely Nix’s fault.
Dud: Defense
A rarity this season: the defense was a dud. Missed tackles, chunk plays and time of possession killed the Broncos’ defense. The defense gave up 21 second half points, including 15 fourth quarter points. The defense just couldn’t preserve the lead.
Stud: Broncos rookies
In this game, the Broncos rookies really shined. Nix (mentioned above) had a good game; running back Audric Estime totaled nine rushes for 49 yards and a touchdown; wide receiver Devaughn Vele caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown; wide receiver Troy Franklin caught two passes for 25 yards; cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine recorded his first career interception and defensive end Jonah Elliss had three total tackles, including one tackle for loss.
This Broncos draft class may be one of the most productive and prolific in recent memory.
Stud: Kris Abrams-Draine
Abrams-Draine (mentioned above) had his first career interception just before halftime. Abrams-Draine also recorded four tackles (three solo, one assisted). Abrams-Draine has been a serviceable option after second-year man Riley Moss went down with injury a few weeks ago. Abrams-Draine improves the depth of an already-talented secondary.
Dud: Penalties
The Broncos kept shooting themselves in the foot with penalties. Defensive penalties like the horsecollar tackle by Jonathon Cooper kept Charger drives alive (that eventually turned into touchdowns), and offensive penalties stalled drives. Although it was a four-day preparation week, the Broncos need to clean this up before going to Cincinnati on Dec. 28.
The good news is, although this loss completely (and rightfully) stings, the Broncos remain one win away from a playoff berth. The bad news is, unless the Broncos go on an impressive playoff run, head coach Sean Payton and the team will likely now have to go on the road against the Buffalo Bills instead of former quarterback Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
