The Broncos improve to 3-0 and have a solid foundation in place. Now they can really start to add on to this start.
When it comes to starts, it doesn’t get any better for the Denver Broncos.
After the 26-0 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, the Broncos improved to 3-0. They remain tied with the Las Vegas Raiders atop the AFC West standings. Who had that on their NFL bingo card three weeks ago?
Regardless of the teams Denver has beat, the foundation is in place. As I told Adam Malnati on the post-game MHR Radio Podcast, now the Broncos can add on to that foundation.
Per the usual, I’m bound to forget someone, leave them off or put them in the wrong category, so please mention them in the comments.
Winners
Teddy Bridgewater
The Broncos quarterback continues his impressive start to the season. For the game, Bridgewater was 19 of 25 passing for 235 yards and no interceptions. That last part is the most crucial for this team. But Bridgewater’s calm, cool and confident demeanor is huge for the Denver offense. Broncos Country can wear the moment with the Teddy 2 Gloves shirt from BreakingT.
Tim Patrick
The Denver receiver had himself a day. Did he ever. Patrick finished with five catches for 98 yards and averaged 19.6 yards per reception. The combination of Bridgewater and Patrick was on point Sunday, and the Broncos will need that going forward.
Melvin Gordon
If Denver is able to run the ball the way it has the first three weeks of the season, it sets the rest of the offense up for big plays and the team for success. On Sunday, the Broncos rushing attack was led by Gordon. The veteran running back had 61 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown.
Alexander Johnson
Denver’s middle linebacker was all over the field on Sunday. Johnson led the team with five tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hits and one pass deflected. The Dino feasted against Zach Wilson and the Jets offense.
Pat Surtian II
The rookie cornerback also finished with a team-high five tackles. PS2 also had a pass defended.
Malik Reed
At least on Sunday, the absence of Bradley Chubb wasn’t felt. And that was because of how well Reed played. He finished with four tackles (two solo), one tackle for loss, one sack and two quarterback hits. If the Broncos edge can continue to play like this, it’ll help take some of the pressure off Von Miller and the rest of the defense. Speaking of Miller …
Von Miller
In three games, the Denver edge has four sacks. That’s pretty dang good for a guy who missed all of last season with an injury. For the game, Miller had four tackles (two solo), one sack, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. To see Miller back on the field and playing like this is great.
Caden Sterns
It may have been a garbage time interception, but it was the rookie’s first of his NFL career. Sterns also finished with two tackles and one pass defended.
The Broncos defense
You get a shutout in the NFL, you make the list.
Vic Fangio
To get this team to 3-0 and not look past a bad New York team is a testament to Fangio and the coaching staff. Now the real work begins and Fangio and the Broncos are about to get tested. But to do so at 3-0 is a hell of a lot better than any alternative.
Both
Javonte Williams
The only reason the rookie running back isn’t a winner is because of the fumble. Aside from that, he continues to flash the potential that made Broncos Country excited when he was drafted. For the game, “Pookie” finished with 12 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 33 yards. The fumble is a learnable moment for him, and it’s good to get it out of the way now.
Losers
Denver’s injuries
The good news is the Broncos appear to have depth. The bad news? That depth is getting tested after the third week of the season. On Sunday, Denver lost receiver KJ Hamler, and guards Dalton Risner and Graham Glasgow. Hopefully they aren’t serious injuries, but the injury bug can lay off the Broncos for a few weeks.
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