Here’s a look at whose stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 41-32 win over the Browns on Monday night.
Stock Up
LT Garett Bolles: In Round 5 against Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett, Bolles had the upper hand. In 14 matchups, Denver’s starting left tackle only gave up one pressure against Garrett. Bolles hasn’t allowed a sack to Garrett in four of five matchups between both players. Garrett, who had three sacks last week against the Steelers, finished the game with a pressure rate of 3.8% — his lowest in a game since 2021, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Bolles’ three penalties were frustrating, but he handled the assignment of containing Garrett.
WR Courtland Sutton: It was another strong game for Denver’s top wideout. Sutton had six catches for 102 yards while averaging 17 yards per catch. Monday marked the third time this season that Sutton recorded at least 100 receiving yards in a game — a career best. Sutton was a reliable target for quarterback Bo Nix on third down, recording four catches for 51 yards on five targets.
OLB Dondrea Tillman: In 29 defensive snaps, Denver’s reserve edge rusher and former UFL standout was solid. Tillman had two tackles, a couple of pressures and had an impressive run stop on Browns starting running back Nick Chubb, resulting in no gain in the first quarter. This season, Tillman has been a pleasant surprise, totaling 14 tackles and two sacks in eight games played.
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Marvin Mims Jr.: Mims keeps rolling. Denver’s second-year wide receiver had three catches for 105 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown catch — fourth-longest in team history and the longest since 2008. After Mims totaled 56 receiving yards in the first nine games, he has 211 in the last four.
Stock Down
Broncos secondary depth: The Broncos need the bye week, especially the secondary. Second-year cornerback Riley Moss missed Monday’s win due to a knee injury while safety Brandon Jones left early after injuring his groin. The secondary’s performance against the Browns showed how badly they need Moss to get healthy. Veteran cornerback Levi Wallace, who filled in for Moss, was targeted 10 times, allowing six catches for 151 yards and a 70-yard touchdown catch to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Nix’s decision-making: Nix threw two interceptions for the first time in a game since Week 2’s loss to the Steelers. Even though Nix did some good things, his decision-making was questionable. There were moments when Nix disregarded an easy completion to make a big play down the field. Nix and head coach Sean Payton’s aggressive play calling came back to bite them in the fourth quarter when his deep pass to Mims was intercepted by Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
RB Javonte Williams: While running back Jaleel McLaughlin had the hot hand, Williams’ production took a major decline. Williams had four carries for 1 yard and a touchdown. He has collected 12 carries for minus-1 yard in the last two games. The Broncos have been experimenting with their three running back rotation, featuring McLaughlin, Williams and rookie Audric Estime. But at some point, the Broncos might have to rely on Estime and McLaughlin as their one-two punch.
Cody Barton in coverage: Barton’s interception in the fourth quarter was clutch. But overall, he struggled in coverage against the Browns. Barton was targeted nine times, allowing seven catches for 98 yards, according to Next Gen Stats. Against Browns tight end David Njoku, he gave up four catches for 35 yards.
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