The Denver Broncos’ 16-9 win over the Houston Texans wasn’t pretty by any means, but it was the first win of the Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson era.
Buy Broncos TicketsHere’s a quick look at six studs and duds from the game.
Stud: Rushing attack
After having only seven carries against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, Broncos running back Javonte Williams was more invovled this week, receiving 15 carries for 75 yards. The bruising Williams often broke tackles for extra yards, and fellow back Melvin Gordon held onto the ball and ran 10 times for 47 yards.
Denver’s total rushing attack came up with 149 yards. For most of the day, the rushing attack carried the offense, until quarterback Russell Wilson finally hit 100 yards passing with five minutes left in the third quarter.
Dud: Red zone offense (again)
On the season, the Broncos are an abysmal 0-6 from inside the 20. This time, Denver had the ball inside the five-yard line, and they settled for field goals both times. Instead of running the ball, Wilson threw the ball on several occasions. After each failed attempt, more boos rained down from the stands at Empower Field at Mile High.
One game with red zone problems was troubling, but something that could be worked out against the Texans. Two games in a row with red zone issues is now concerning. Let’s hope this is not a season-long trend.
Stud: Brandon McManus
For the second straight game, kicker Brandon McManus kept the Broncos close. McManus made three field goals and one extra point, making him 6-for-7 on field goal attempts for the season.
Denver’s longest-tenured player continues to make an impact.
Dud: Penalties
The Broncos were penalized 13 times for 100 yards against the Texans. Coming off of a 12-penalty showing against the Seahawks, drives continue to stall on offense because of costly penalty yards. One delay of game penalty cost Denver a possible three points and brought on the punt team after knocking the team out of field goal range.
Keeping the officials’ yellow laundry off the field will be important in the coming weeks.
Stud: Courtland Sutton
In a game where three of the Broncos’ top receivers were out due to injury, Sutton came alive. Sutton caught more than half of Wilson’s 219 passing yards (122 yards) on only seven receptions. Whenever Wilson scrambled, he looked for the big No. 14. More often than not, Sutton made the grab.
With Tim Patrick injured, Sutton is making himself out to be a true No. 1 receiver. Hopefully Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler will be able to return from their injuries quickly.
Dud: Nathaniel Hackett
Despite getting his first win as Broncos head coach, Hackett was extremely sloppy. Several delay of game penalties came at inopportune times, Denver’s clock management was abysmal, and indecision on Hackett’s part in the second half led to the Broncos being out of timeouts before the halfway point of the fourth quarter.
That being said, Hackett has only been a head coach for two games. He is learning through adversity. There will be growing pains. There will be head-scratching moments. This is all part of a new head coach earning his stripes. Now Hackett has to learn and improve.
