Mile High Report
The Denver Broncos needed a win to keep pace in a fierce battle in the AFC West. On Monday Night Football, they rose to the occasion and made that happen. Through four quarters, the Broncos were able to set the tone to secure a decisive 28-3 victory against the Cincinatti Bengals to move to 2-2 on the season. Here are some instant reactions and takeaways from tonight’s impressive performance Monday Night Football.
The highs and lows of the Bo Nix Experience
Second-year signal caller Bo Nix has had an up-and-down start to his sophomore season in the National Football League. After having one of the top rookie campaigns in league history, the results through three games had Broncos Country hoping for more. The highlight throws have been noticeable. However, Nix’s decision making and footwork at times has been questionable leading to inconsistency on offense.
Tonight, I feel that Nix played a lot better than last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. By game’s end, he was 29-of-42 for 326 yards, two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and 1 interception. He looked far more poised and comfortable in the pocket and delivered string of quality throws over the middle of the field and on third down. When Nix steps up in the pocket with his feet set—great things can happen—and we saw that routinely this evening. It was by far his most complete performance of the season.
The only major issue I had with him tonight was the interception late in the second quarter deep in the red zone on fourth down. It’s simply inexcusable in that situation to throw the ball right to Bengals’ rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. While the Broncos were able to get away with that mistake tonight, I’m hoping Nix can be a bit more level-headed and secure with the football—especially next week across the pond taking on the Philadelphia Eagles.
All Systems Go: Discussing Head Coach Sean Payton’s offensive game plan
One of the most common critiques I’ve seen across Broncos Country start the season has been relative to Payton’s play-calling and gameplans. Tonight, outside a few exceptions, I thought it was arguably the best offensive gameplan Denver has had all season long. As mentioned above, Nix did a great job throwing the ball for the most part. But what has me the most excited is how great the running game looked.
Earlier in the week, Payton had discussed how to better get second-round pick RJ Harvey in the mix offensively. He specifically mentioned his skills as a receiver. The focus to get him going in that respect was in full effect tonight. Harvey had 14 rushes for 58 yards and a 4.1 yard-per-carry average. As a receiver, he had five targets and reeled in four of them for 40 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter. Kudos to Harvey for his best game of his rookie campaign.
But Harvey wasn’t the only Broncos running back who impressed. In the past...
