The Denver Broncos lost to the Washington Commanders in heartbreaking fashion in Week 2.
After a successful 50-yard Hail Mary attempt, the Broncos trailed by two with the possibility of a two-point conversion sending the game into overtime. The two-point attempt fell incomplete (in part due to a questionable pass interference no-call) and Denver lost 35-33, falling to 0-2 on the season.
Buy Broncos TicketsHere are ten quick takeaways from new coach Sean Payton’s second loss with the Broncos.
1
Improved pass rush was fool's gold
After generating no pressure last week, the Broncos initially appeared to take a big step forward in Sunday’s game, sacking Commanders quarterback Sam Howell three times early. At least two of those sacks could be attributed to Howell holding on to the ball too long, however. Denver’s defense finished the game with four total sacks, but when it mattered most, the Broncos struggled to generate a pass rush again. Sunday was actually an improvement for Howell, who was sacked six times in Week 1.
2
Russell Wilson was a mixed bag
Wilson wasn’t terrible, but he also wasn’t great. The quarterback started well with two touchdown passes, but he later fumbled the ball and seemingly thought he was down by contact because he didn’t make an effort to recover it and Washington pounced on it. Wilson also threw an interception. The veteran quarterback made some impressive plays with his legs, but Wilson needs to protect the ball going forward.
3
Marvin Mims is a lightning bolt
Mims lived up to his second-round draft hype on Sunday, totaling two receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown while adding two carries for 10 yards and a one punt return for 45 yards. The speedy receiver is a great match for Wilson’s deep “moon ball” pass. Mims has a bright future in Denver.
4
Safety depth took a huge hit after Kareem Jackson's ejection
Jackson was ejected on Sunday after a hit that gave Washington tight end Logan Thomas a concussion (this is the second time in two games that Jackson has knocked a player out of a game with an illegal hit). Losing Jackson left the Broncos with just two healthy safeties in Justin Simmons and Delarrin Turner-Yell. When Turner-Yell later went down with an injury of his own, cornerback Essang Bassey filled in at safety.
Caden Sterns and P.J. Locke are currently on injured reserve and rookie JL Skinner was inactive on Sunday. Denver’s suddenly thin at the position.
5
Damarri Mathis was a liability again
The Broncos have one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks in Pat Surtain, but his partner has been a huge liability through the first two games of the season. Mathis allowed a touchdown to Terry McLaurin that made the game 21-21, and he struggled throughout Sunday’s game. Denver rookie Riley Moss (abdomen) was inactive again in Week 2, but whenever he’s healthy, Moss might be a candidate to take Mathis’ starting job.
6
The offensive line regressed
After a decent showing in Week 1, the Broncos’ offensive line seemingly took a step backward on Sunday. Wilson was sacked seven times and the offensive line committed several drive-stalling penalties.
7
Wil Lutz bounced back
On an otherwise mostly disappointing day for Broncos players, Lutz actually had an encouraging bounce-back performance. The kicker was a perfect 2-of-2 on field goal attempts and 3-of-3 on extra point attempts. That was good to see after Lutz missed two kicks in Week 1.
8
Vance Joseph’s defense off to alarming start
Last week, the Commanders scored 20 points against the lowly Arizona Cardinals. On Sunday, Washington managed to score 35 points against a once-fearsome Denver defense. Joseph’s unit hasn’t been good enough through the first two weeks of the season.
9
Turnovers and penalties contributed to blown 21-3 lead
When the Broncos went up 21-3 in the first quarter, it looked like they might have a convincing win against the Commanders. Two turnovers — Wilson’s lost fumble and interception — helped Washington get back into the game, and Denver’s own defense failed to force any turnovers. The Broncos were also penalized 9 times for 58 yards. Even after bringing in Payton, Denver remains an undisciplined team.
10
Broncos will be massive underdogs vs. Dolphins
After losing two winnable games at home, the Broncos are now set to go on the road to face the Miami Dolphins, a team capable of piling up points. Denver will likely be considered a big underdog in Week 3, understandably so. Broncos fans will probably just hope next week’s game isn’t a complete embarrassment. After a frustrating two weeks of football, most fans will likely go into Week 3 already accepting the likelihood of a loss.
