The Denver Broncos bounced back in a huge way after a loss in Week 6 to the Los Angeles Chargers with a resounding win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 7. Head coach Sean Payton came back to the Big Easy, where the Broncos’ vaunted defense took over and marched the Saints right out of the Superdome.
The Broncos now have a 10-day hiatus before facing the Carolina Panthers at home in Week 8. Here’s a quick look at Denver’s studs and duds from Thursday night.
Stud: LB Cody Barton
Broncos linebacker Cody Barton channeled injured captain Alex Singleton and led the team in tackles. Barton had a strip-sack of Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, a near-interception in the first half, a would-be scoop-and-score that was negated by a Broncos offsides penalty and a 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Barton has stepped up in a big way in the face of filling huge shoes.
Stud: RB Javonte Williams
Running back Javonte Williams had the best game of his young season, and the best game for him since his horrific knee injury in 2022. Williams had 14 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns, leading the team in rushing yards while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Hopefully he can keep this pace up in the next few weeks.
Stud: Broncos' running game
The Broncos kept the ball on the ground, carrying the ball 33 times for 225 yards between rookie Audric Estime, Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Bo Nix. Nix only attempted 26 passes, and the Broncos just rammed the football down the throat of the Saints’ defense (which was banged up) for huge gains. This was a huge credit to the offensive line, who as a unit created the biggest holes running backs have seen all year.
Stud: K Wil Lutz
Another former Saint who had a big homecoming was kicker Wil Lutz. Lutz connected on field goals of 46, 32, 52 and 38 yards. Lutz also added three extra points in the blowout win. Lutz was a perfect four-for-four on field goals, and perfect on extra points.
Dud: Audric Estime's fumble
Audric Estime’s overall numbers were excellent (five carries for 29 yards with a 5.8 yards per carry average), but the rookie fumbled again, marking his second career fumble on just his eighth career touch. If he wants more opportunities going forward, Estime needs to hold onto the ball.
Stud: Broncos on the road
The Broncos are 3-1 on the road in 2024, only losing the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Away from Denver, the team has outscored opponents 89-52 thus far. The Broncos only allowed 271 yards, forced two turnovers and had their running game come alive. The offense had 22 first downs, and 389 total yards against the Saints.
