The Denver Broncos downed the Houston Texans 18-15 in Week 9. C.J. Stroud left the game in the second quarter, but it took a game-winning drive from fellow quarterback Bo Nix to secure the win. Here’s what went right and wrong for the Broncos in Week 9. Denver plays the Las Vegas Raiders on a short week in Week 10.
The Broncos’ Defensive Line Adds Four Sacks to the League-Leading Total
Several defenders stepped up in Week 9, with 3-4 defensive end Zach Allen, 3-4 outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and backup ends Dondrea Tillman and Malcolm Roach all recording sacks. Tillman and Roach each had half a sack. On a day the offense didn’t score a second touchdown until the fourth quarter, the defense ensured the win.
Denver’s defense held the Texans’ offense to 0-for-3 inside the red zone, forcing them to settle for a total of five field goals. The Broncos’ defense now totals 40 sacks on the season through nine weeks.
Another Day at the Office for the Broncos’ Offense’s Run Game
Running back J.K. Dobbins totaled 15 carries for 61 yards in Week 9. He added one reception on one target as well. On a day Nix completed fewer than 50% of his passes, Dobbins’ consistency was critical. Nix got in on the rushing attack late in the fourth quarter during the game-winning drive. He broke off a 25-yard run to put the Broncos’ offense within kicker Will Lutz’s range, then added another nine yards on the ground later in the drive for good measure.
The Broncos ended up winning 18-15 on a 34-yard field goal. It wasn’t a gimme, as Lutz had a field goal blocked earlier in the game. Broncos punter Jeremy Crawshaw totaled eight punts on the day. Elsewhere, fellow RB RJ Harvey was the lone bright spot in the passing game. He caught five passes on five targets for 51 yards and a touchdown.
In total, the Broncos’ rushing offense posted 23 carries for 100 yards (4.3 YPC). An ineffective passing game prevented more ground production (see: eight punts). Dobbins’ No. 9 ranking in PFSN’s RB Impact metric should hold steady for another week heading into Week 10.
Broncos’ Passing Offense in Flux
Nix’s first touchdown of the day went to wide receiver Courtland Sutton on a 30-yard completion. It was the first 20-plus air-yard TD reception allowed by the Texans’ defense this season. Harvey’s 27-yard touchdown catch, meanwhile, found him wide open. Instead of trying to spin Nix having a good game, it’s fair to say the Broncos will take the win and move on to Week 10. Nix should hover around his No. 14 ranking on PFSN’s QB Impact metric after this week.
Ranking No. 14 in PSFN’s Offense Impact metric, the Broncos’ offense did little to move the needle in Week 9. That said, Denver got the win and will look to extend its six-game winning streak to seven on “Thursday Night Football” against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos’ defense, however, should remain in the top slot heading into Week 10.