Stat line: 16 for 26, 164 passing yards; 10 carries, 75 rushing yards
Highlight: Javonte Williams wasn’t the only one having success running the football. Nix set the tone on the first play of the game scrambling for 14 yards. In the third quarter, Nix took a designed run off left tackle 32 yards down the sideline to set up Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run to take a 26-3 lead. Nix averaged 7.5 yards per carry.
Lowlight: Even if Nix threw for 400 yards on Thursday, that still wouldn’t wipe away the memory of him missing two wide-open targets on Denver’s first drive. Nix had tight end Lucas Krull and wide receiver Troy Franklin wide open in the red zone, but the rookie failed to get his feet properly set, resulting in an incompletion that somehow landed between both pass-catchers. Nix threw two more incompletions before Denver had to punt.
Analysis: Nix’s footwork and downfield accuracy continue to be problematic. In addition to his incompletion to Krull in the first quarter, he underthrew the ball to tight end Adam Trautman, forcing Denver to settle for a field goal in the second quarter. He almost shifted the momentum of the night if safety Tyrann Mathieu didn’t drop an easy interception near the end of the first half. Still, Nix did some good things in the win. He did a good job running the ball and taking advantage of design runs. He also had three impressive throws to Franklin, Krull and rookie wideout Devaughn Vele. Overall, Nix was solid in his first primetime game, but it’s clear he still has work to do as a pocket passer.
Unsung Hero
Offensive line: The guys up front played a major role in Denver’s rushing success against the Saints. Through three quarters, the Broncos had 94 yards before contact, according to Next Gen Stats. That’s a product of the offensive line creating open lanes for Denver’s running backs. During Javonte Williams’ 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, he walked into the end zone untouched thanks to strong blocking up front.
Goat of the game
D.J. Jones: Even though the Broncos won, it felt like they left points off the board. Inside linebacker Cody Barton’s fumble recovery for a touchdown in the second quarter was called back due to Jones jumping offsides. Barton could’ve had two touchdowns on the evening, but Jones’ mental error prevented it from happening.
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