If you enjoy watching attacks light up the scoreboard, then Denver Broncos‘ 13:6 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday may have got you thinking about hibernation. The Broncos somehow managed to find new ways to disappoint fans and fantasy owners alike in a game that looked more like a defensive struggle — or maybe just an offensive surrender.
Who were the Broncos’ biggest stars and losers? Let’s take a look.
Josh Reynolds, WR
It’s not often you hear the phrase “four catches for 93 yards and zero touchdowns” as a highlight, but in a game where points were as hard to come by as the Broncos’ playoff hopes, Reynolds stood out. His 49-yard catch in the third quarter was like finding a forgotten $20 bill in an old jacket that falls apart in the palm of your hand as you unroll it – briefly exciting, but ultimately useless.
Zach Allen, DE
Finally, someone sacked a quarterback! He had four tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. Because of that performance, Allen’s jersey is probably the only one purchased in Denver this week.
Alex Singleton, LB
With 11 tackles, including seven solo, Singleton was the defensive dynamo the Broncos desperately needed. Sure, no sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles, but when you make 11 tackles, that means you’re cleaning up everyone else’s mess.
Jonah Elliss, OLB
Another bright spot is that Elliss contributed three tackles and two tackles for loss, including a sack. It’s almost as if he realized he had to take matters into his own hands to keep the Steelers out of the end zone. Too bad the offense didn’t return the favor.
Vance Joseph, DC
Let’s give credit where it’s due – Joseph had his defense ready. Holding an NFL team to 13 points should be enough to win, but not when your offense decides to sit out for four quarters. Joseph’s unit played well enough to keep the team in the game.
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Bo Nix, QB
We need to talk about nothing. A stat line of 20 completions on 35 attempts for 246 yards sounds decent until you realize it comes with two interceptions, zero touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 55.2.
Nix threw for 12.3 yards per pass, but somehow he turned those gains into zero touchdowns. It’s hard to be optimistic when your quarterback looks like he’s playing “hot potato” with the football. Despite all those yards, the scoreboard never noticed.
Sean Payton, HC
Payton was brought in to turn the Broncos around. He is supposed to be the offensive guru who will finally solve the Broncos’ long-standing problems.
The Broncos’ offense seems to be caught in a time warp before Payton. Six points. That’s all the offensive masterminds could muster in their team’s home debut.
Javonte Williams, RB
11 runs of 17 yards is a stat that makes you wonder if Williams was running on a treadmill. Averaging 1.5 yards per run, he had the explosiveness of a soggy firecracker.
Courtland Sutton, WR
One catch for 26 yards. That’s all we got from Denver’s supposed top receiver.
Sutton was virtually invisible, either because of bad plays or because he couldn’t get free. It’s not a good look when you’re outclassed by fullbacks and tight ends.
Offensive line
Nix was sacked twice, which isn’t a shocking number, but the deciding factor was the pressure he was under all game. The Steelers defense treated Nix like a piñata – constantly in his face, slapping him around, interfering with throws, and making life difficult for him.
Maybe the Broncos offensive line will show up next week.
If this game was going to be the deciding win for the Broncos, it was written in invisible ink. Despite some outstanding defense and a kicker who did his job, the offense just wasn’t there.
With a quarterback struggling to find the end zone, a running game stuck in reverse, and wide receivers who seem allergic to touchdowns, it’s going to be a long season if this performance becomes the norm.
Maybe the Broncos will score more than six points next week — or maybe Wil Lutz will make a few more field goals. Either way, Broncos fans, buckle up: It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
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