A look at how the Broncos’ rookies played in their 38-0 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.
Highlight: A game of hot potato in the back of the end zone led to Bo Nix’s third touchdown pass of the first half. His throw intended for tight end Adam Trautman was tipped three times before rookie wideout Devaughn Vele secured the catch to extend Denver’s lead to 21-0 with 11:05 to go in the second quarter. Nix had a game to remember, going 26 for 29 with 321 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 47 yards on seven carries.
Lowlight: Nix had too much fun in the first half… a little too much fun. During Denver’s final second-quarter possession, Nix scrambled upfield for a 27-yard gain, then pitched the ball to running back Javonte Williams for additional yardage. However, Nix was called for an illegal forward pass, pushing Denver back from Kansas City’s nine to the 37-yard line.
Analysis: Nix put together an impressive regular season. On Sunday, the first-round pick became the fifth rookie in league history to record at least 3,500 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes in a season. More importantly, he helped end Denver’s eight-year playoff drought. It’s clear the Broncos have found their guy. No matter what happens in the postseason, the Broncos have to maximize Nix being under a rookie contract and get more weapons. The fact that Nix threw for 29 passing touchdowns despite Lil’Jordan Humphrey being his No. 2 wide receiver for the first half of the season was remarkable. Now, imagine if he has some legit playmakers to pair with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr.
Unsung Hero
RB Javonte Williams: The Broncos gave Williams the Samaje Perine role on Sunday and it worked. Williams had three catches for 50 yards on four targets. He was one of four Broncos players with at least 50 receiving yards. Williams had a regular season to forget in terms of individual performance. But against the Chiefs, he showed he could be useful against the Bills next week.
Goat of the game
QB Carson Wentz: The 32-year-old signal caller didn’t give his team a fighting chance. Wentz went 10 for 17 with 98 yards and a passer rating of 75.1. He underthrew and overthrew his targets throughout the afternoon, ruining any chance Kansas City could find some kind of offensive rhythm.
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