Stat line: 19 for 33, 223 yards, one interception; six carries, 36 yards; one catch for two yards and a touchdown
Highlight: Bo Nix the wide receiver? Denver dug into its bag of tricks on fourth-and-goal at the 2-yard line in the second quarter. Running back Javonte Williams tossed the ball to wideout Courtland Sutton, who threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Nix (yes, you read that correctly). Nix leaped to secure the catch with safety Marcus Williams applying tight coverage and twisted his body over the goal line for the TD.
Lowlight: Some might consider Nix’s first interception as a low point. But it really should be the incomplete pass to Troy Franklin to start the second. Sean Payton wanted to be aggressive on fourth-and-4, and it was understandable since Baltimore has struggled defending the passing game. Franklin created plenty of separation to make the touchdown catch, but Nix overthrew him. He also missed Sutton in the end zone on fourth down in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Outside of the interception and missed throw to Franklin, Nix was solid in the first half. At times, he took advantage of holes in the Ravens pass defense. He moved outside the pocket before finding Williams wide-open at the 50-yard line, resulting in a 34-yard gain. Later, he completed a 33-yard pass to Sutton on third-and-long. He was effective at using his legs once again. During his 15-yard scramble in the second quarter, he faked out inside linebacker Roquan Smith to generate extra yards. But Nix and the offense couldn’t get anything going in the final two quarters. Baltimore controlled time of possession while sucking all the life Denver had. Overall, Nix has shown progress, but he has to start completing those deep shots and stop throwing the ball behind his targets.
Unsung Hero
WR Courtland Sutton: Sutton has turned a corner after having zero targets in the win over New Orleans, totaling 213 receiving yards over the last two games. On Sunday, he recorded five catches for 113 yards and averaged 18.8 yards per reception. Nix’s connection with Sutton is starting to grow, and that’s probably the most promising thing to take away from Denver’s disastrous loss.
Goat of the game
LT Garett Bolles: Against the Ravens, Denver needed to take advantage of scoring opportunities. With a chance to cut the deficit to three points late in the first half, Nix’s 9-yard rushing touchdown was negated by a holding penalty on Denver’s veteran left tackle. Even worse, the hold was on safety Kyle Hamilton — and likely unnecessary. Bolles has had a modest season but penalties are one of his biggest issues during a contract year.
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