A look at how the Broncos’ rookies played in their 41-32 win over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.
Highlight: In the third quarter, quarterback Bo Nix delivered his best throw of the season. The Broncos were pinned at their own 7-yard line when Nix rifled a pass to midfield where wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. caught the ball and sprinted to the end zone for a 93-yard score. Electric.
Lowlight: Nix’s first interception in three weeks happened in the worst possible way. With 12:40 to go in the second quarter, Nix was pressured by edge rusher Myles Garrett before his throw to Troy Franklin was tipped by cornerback Denzel Ward and intercepted by Greg Newsome II. Nix got carried away in the fourth, launching the ball deep down the field to Mims and was picked off by Ward. The Browns took advantage of the turnover, marching down the field to take a 32-31 lead after running back Nick Chubb’s 5-yard touchdown catch.
Looking ahead: It was clear on Monday night that the Broncos need to figure out a different way to get Troy Franklin involved. Nix and Franklin’s deep ball connection was unsuccessful once again. However, the pair connected on a screen pass that resulted in a 23-yard gain in the second quarter. Perhaps using Franklin’s speed in the short passing game could help generate some rhythm.
Meanwhile, rookie edge rusher Jonah Elliss has a solid pro career on the horizon. Early in the second quarter, the third-round pick increased his sack total to five after taking down Winston. Elliss, a former Utah standout, entered Monday night’s game with 17 pressures and 11 quarterback hits, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. The trio of Elliss, Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto has the potential to wreak havoc for years to come.
Unsung Hero
OLB Nik Bonitto: As a whole, Denver’s defensive performance wasn’t great. But Bonitto still managed to strengthen his Pro Bowl case. He gave the Broncos an 11-point advantage in the second quarter when he stepped in front of Winston’s pass attempt to intercept the ball before scoring from 71 yards out. In the fourth, he sacked Winston for a 14-yard loss.
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Goat of the game
CB Levi Wallace: Denver’s veteran cornerback got torched. Wallace, who filled in for the injured-Riley Moss, got burnt by wide receiver Elijah Moore on a 44-yard catch in the first quarter. In the third, Jeudy left Wallace in the dust on a 70-yard touchdown.
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