A look at how the Broncos’ rookies played in their 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.
Highlight: Broncos rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine stepped up in a big way with Riley Moss unavailable. As the Colts marched down the field during the closing seconds of the first half, the fifth-round pick broke up quarterback Anthony Richardson’s deep pass to wideout Alec Pierce in the end zone. Indianapolis was forced to settle for a field goal and went into the locker room with a 6-point lead instead of 10. It marked the second straight week the Missouri product showed up in a pressure situation after he was a late-game substitution in Denver’s win over Cleveland.
Lowlight: Quarterback Bo Nix has fallen victim to the turnover bug in recent weeks. On Sunday, he threw three interceptions and has five in the last two games. All three of Sunday’s picks were intercepted on the Colts’ side of the field, including one after Marvin Mims Jr. set up the offense at the Colts’ 39-yard line with a 27-yard punt return in the third quarter. Three plays later, Nix gift-wrapped a pick for safety Nick Cross on third-and-10.
Analysis: Nix had by far his worst game of the season. His footwork was off and decision-making was just as bad. On his third interception after the Mims return, the ball was late and he stared directly at Courtland Sutton, resulting in an easy turnover. Granted, he did throw the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. But if the Broncos want to remain in the playoff race or be competitive when it gets to the postseason, Nix has to be much better.
Unsung Hero
OLB Nik Bonitto: It might be time for Bonitto to start preparing for his trip to Orlando next month. Bonitto improved his Pro Bowl chances in the fourth quarter when he intercepted Adonai Mitchell’s lateral cross-field pass and sprinted to the end zone for a 50-yard touchdown to extend Denver’s lead to 24-13.
Goat of the game
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor: The Colts watched a 19-7 lead wiped away in the blink of an eye. Early in the third quarter, Taylor was on the verge of a 41-yard touchdown run when he dropped the ball out of bounds before crossing the goal line. As a result, a two-possession lead instead turned into a fumble and the Broncos getting the ball at their 20-yard line. Denver outscored the Colts 24-0 after Taylor’s turnover.
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