A look at how the Broncos’ collection of rookie contributors played in Denver’s 29-19 win at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Highlight: Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is producing highlights every week now. In the third quarter, Nix lofted a beautiful pass to the end zone where wide receiver Courtland Sutton made a contested 18-yard touchdown catch to give Denver a 16-13 advantage. Rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele once again showed he might be one of the draft’s biggest steals. The seventh-round pick caught six passes for 80 yards.
Lowlight: Nix had three different passes that could’ve easily been intercepted during the game. Meanwhile, first-year edge rusher Jonah Elliss had a hard time in coverage. He was targeted three times, allowing 49 yards, a touchdown and a passer rating of 158.3, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
Looking ahead: Nix helped his chances for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and so did Washington’s quarterback Jayden Daniels. Before Nix threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns to beat the Raiders, Daniels had a solid outing in a gut-wrenching loss to the Cowboys. The former LSU standout had 275 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of picks. He also collected 74 yards and a score on seven carries. It’s clear that the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year will likely come down to those two.
Unsung Hero
Safety Brandon Jones: Jones’ interception felt like an espresso shot for Denver. On the Raiders’ first drive of the third quarter, quarterback Gardner Minshew gift-wrapped Jones’ second interception of the season, throwing the ball right into the safety’s chest, resulting in a 37-yard return to Las Vegas’ 18-yard line. Following the turnover, Denver scored 10 straight points and forced the Raiders to punt on back-to-back drives.
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Goat of the game
RT Mike McGlinchey: Denver’s starting right tackle got off to a rough start. McGlinchey committed three penalties, including two holding calls, in the first quarter. McGlinchey struggled to slow down edge rusher Maxx Crosby. McGlinchey gave up four pressures, with three coming from Crosby, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
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