The Denver Broncos’ first home win of the season came in Week 7 over the Green Bay Packers, a 19-17 victory at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Broncos were ahead for most of the game, but it took a come-from-behind effort to get the win. We take a look at the studs and duds from the game.
Stud: Wil Lutz
Wil Lutz was far and away the biggest reason the Broncos won this game. Lutz went a perfect four-for-four on field goals, and made his only extra point attempt. Lutz drilled the go-ahead 52-yard field goal with 3:50 left on the clock to help seal the win.
Dud: Kareem Jackson
For the second time in 2023, Denver safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for a vicious hit on a defenseless receiver. Jackson has received almost $90,000 in fines already, and has hurt the defense on several occasions. This hit kept the Packers in the game, and allowed Green Bay to score the go-ahead touchdown at 17-16 with 8:31 left in the fourth quarter. Jackson takes too many risks for the investment that Denver has in him.
Stud: P.J. Locke
After Kareem Jackson was disqualified, safety P.J. Locke stepped up in a big way. On the Packers’ last drive, Locke ranged from the left side of the field to the right on a deep throw from Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, and intercepted a pass intended for receiver Samori Toure for the game’s only turnover. It put a rubber stamp on the victory for the Broncos for their first home win of the season.
Dud: Second half offense
In the past two games, the Denver Broncos have scored 18 points in the second half combined (eight at Kansas City, 10 versus the Packers). In order for this team to win more games in the second half of the season, the Broncos need to get significantly better, and score significantly more.
Stud: Running game
With the exception of a Marvin Mims end-around and a Michael Burton loss, the Broncos running game was exceptional. They gouged the Packers’ defense for 145 yards rushing, with Javonte Williams leading the way with 85 yards. All the backs were also crucial out of the backfield in the pass game, combining for seven catches for 46 yards. Hopefully this trend continues through next Sunday.
Up next for the Broncos is a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
