After downing the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 before a Week 12 bye, the Denver Broncos defeated the Washington Commanders in Week 13 on “Sunday Night Football.” In fact, quarterback Bo Nix attempted 35-plus passes for the third time in the past five games (since Week 8) — independent of game script — completing the subtle shift to a pass-first scheme during the second half of the season.
What Went Right for Broncos
The Broncos’ passing offense went right for the Broncos in Week 13. After Week 13, the Broncos’ offense is No. 15 in passing yards per game. Nix was 29-of-45 for 321 yards, 7.1 yards per attempt, a touchdown, an interception, and an 83.7 passer rating. He is No. 15 in PFSN’s QB Impact Score, while the Broncos’ offense is No. 14 in PFSN’s Offense Impact Score.
A key takeaway from the Broncos-Commanders game was that Courtland Sutton retook the No. 1 WR role in Denver’s offense. Through three quarters, Sutton totaled three receptions on as many targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. He had an impressive touchdown reception to cap off a 10-play, 64-yard drive that lasted a minute and 58 seconds to end the first hal — and another 31-yard reception down the left sideline to start the second half.
Sutton led all Broncos wide receivers in receptions (5), yardage (62), and touchdowns (1). Tight end Evan Engram, meanwhile, led all pass catchers with six receptions and 79 yards. He got loose for a 41-yard reception in overtime that put the Broncos’ offense in the red zone. Running back RJ Harvey scored his second touchdown of the game two plays later.
The Broncos’ offense totaled 45 pass attempts to 23 totes. We expect the Broncos to attempt 35-plus passes in all of their final five games to end the regular season.
What Went Wrong for Broncos
The Broncos’ rushing offense went wrong for the Broncos in Week 13. The Broncos’ offense totaled 23 totes for 87 yards in Week 13. RJ Harvey salvaged his day with two touchdowns. He paced the backfield, totaling 13 carries for 35 yards and two touchdowns. Harvey totaled three receptions on four targets for 27 yards as well. All told, he totaled 16 touches for 62 yards.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, “(It had) nothing to do with the runner.” Harvey and Co. will look to bounce back in Week 14 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
