Tag: Ja’Quan McMillian

Brian Baldinger breaks down film of key Broncos players vs. Falcons

Brian Baldinger breaks down key plays involving Bo Nix, Garett Bolles, Pat Surtain and Ja’Quan McMillian from Sunday’s big win.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ big win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger took to Twitter/X to break down some of the key performances from the 38-6 victory.

First up is Baldinger reacting to quarterback Bo Nix leading a pair of scoring drives in the third quarter.

“This throw right here to Devaughn Vele is just a dime … the throw is perfect,” Baldinger said of Nix’s strike.

Baldinger also broke down left tackle Garett Bolles’ impressive blocking.

“Bolles was 10-for-10 on his assignments on this opening drive,” Baldinger said.

The defense wasn’t overlooked.

“Pound-for-pound, this Ja’Quan McMillian is as good as any football player in this league,” Baldinger exclaimed.

Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain also received love from the NFL Network pundit:

Former cornerback Chris Harris chimed in on Twitter/X to say Surtain and McMillian both deserve All-Pro nods in 2024.

Up next for the Broncos is a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.

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Brian Baldinger breaks down film of Bo Nix and Ja’Quan McMillian

Brian Baldinger was impressed by what he saw from Broncos QB Bo Nix and CB Ja’Quan McMillian against the Panthers on Sunday.

Following another Denver Broncos win, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has returned with more film breakdowns.

In the first of his three Broncos videos posted on Twitter/X this week, Baldinger broke down rookie Bo Nix’s quarterback sneak.

“I remember a guy that used to do it just like that,” Baldinger said of Nix jumping over the line with the ball. “In fact, Sean Payton coached him for something like 16 years. It’s what Drew Brees used to do all the time.”

In his second video, Baldinger notes Nix’s steady improvement over the last eight weeks.

“Some nice throws from Bo Nix,” Baldinger says. “Nice mechanics, [he’s] getting better. [I] like the improvement.”

In his final video from the Carolina Panthers game, Baldinger broke down slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian’s impressive interception.

“This Ja’Quan McMillian interception of Bryce Young is one of the most amazing catches,” Baldinger says.

Up next for the Broncos is a road game against the Baltimore Ravens.

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Bo Nix breaks franchise record as Broncos cruise to 28-14 win over Panthers

The Broncos improved to 5-3 following Sunday’s win over the Panthers and Bo Nix now has the most wins by a rookie QB in franchise history.

The Denver Broncos improved to 5-3 on Sunday with a convincing 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers, who dropped to 1-7.

With the win, Bo Nix now holds the franchise record for the most wins by a rookie quarterback (five), passing John Elway (four) and Drew Lock (four). Nix previously broke the franchise record for the most completions by a rookie just six games into his career.

Nix had a historic day, but the game got off to a shaky start for the Broncos.

Denver’s offense got the ball first but Carolina took over near midfield after Broncos wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey lost a fumble on the third snap of the game. The Panthers took advantage of that turnover as Bryce Young led a 10-play, 49-yard drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Legette to take an early 7-0 lead.

On their next drive, the Broncos drove down to Carolina’s 28-yard line before Nix took a 13-yard sack that knocked Denver out of field goal range on third down. Riley Dixon and Co. then pinned the Panthers at their own one-yard line. Carolina promptly went three-and-out and the Broncos got the ball back at its 45-yard line.

Nix then led a seven-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end/fullback Nate Adkins to tie the game at 7-7.

One series later, Nix and the offense went 92 yards on seven plays on a drive that was capped off by Nix’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Adam Trautman to make it 14-7.

Following that score, Denver took over near midfield after Pat Surtain tackled Panthers running back Miles Sanders short of the line to gain on fourth down. The Broncos then went 48 yards and Nix scored on a one-yard QB sneak to extend the lead to 21-7 ahead of halftime.

In the second half, the Panthers turned it over on downs at their own 24-yard line after a fake punt fell incomplete when punter Johnny Hekker was unable to connect with gunner Sam Franklin. Denver took advantage of that field position four plays later when Nix threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaleel McLaughlin to make it 28-7.

Later in the third quarter, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain intercepted a Young pass, but Denver wasn’t able to capitalize off that turnover.

In the fourth quarter, Broncos kicker Wil Lutz lined up for a 60-yard field goal attempt, but the team ran a fake to tight end Lucas Krull. The fake failed as Krull was tackled five yards short of the line to gain.

Later in the fourth quarter, Denver cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian picked off a Young pass in the end zone, essentially sealing the game.

The Broncos attempted to pour it on late in the game with a trick play that featured wide receiver Courtland Sutton throwing a deep pass to fullback Michael Burton. Sutton completed the pass but Denver turned it over three plays later when Sutton lost a fumble on his eighth catch of the game.

The Panthers scored a garbage time touchdown late in the fourth when Young threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jalen Coker. That made it 28-14, which ended up being the final score after Carolina failed to recover an onside kick.

Nix finished the game 28-of-37 passing for 284 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers, good for a 124.2 passer rating. Nix also rushed four times for five yards and a score.

On the injury front, Krull left in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury, but he later returned to the game. Surtain also suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter.

Up next for the Broncos is back-to-back road games against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas city Chiefs (view the full schedule here).

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WATCH: Broncos CB Ja’Quan McMillian picks off Bryce Young

Broncos CB Ja’Quan McMillian intercepts Panthers QB Bryce Young and Denver’s cruising.

Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted a pass from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High.

Here’s video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter/X page:

The Broncos currently lead the Panthers 28-7.

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Broncos release Wednesday injury report ahead of ‘TNF’

Broncos star CB Pat Surtain (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Saints.

The Denver Broncos have released their final injury report ahead of their Thursday Night Football clash with the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.

Broncos right tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) and cornerback Pat Surtain (concussion) have both been ruled out. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL) is eligible to return from IR this week, so he might return in time to take his old spot from Palczewski.

Ja’Quan McMillian is expected to play across from Riley Moss at cornerback with Levi Wallace playing in the slot.

McGlinchey, outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) are listed as questionable. They would need to be activated from IR in order to play on Thursday.

View the Broncos’ complete injury report below. Note that Denver did not practice on Monday, but the team released an estimated practice report. DNP = did not participate.

Player Injury Mon (estimate) Tue Wed (walkthrough) Game Status
CB Damarri Mathis Ankle Full Full Full Questionable
LB Justin Strnad Ribs Full Full Full
CB Ja’Quan McMillian Ankle Limited Full Full
CB Riley Moss Hip Limited Full Full
OT Alex Palczewski Ankle Limited Limited DNP Out
CB Pat Surtain Concussion DNP DNP DNP Out
OT Mike McGlinchey Knee Not listed Limited Full Questionable
OLB Baron Browning Foot Not listed Limited Full Questionable

Meanwhile, New Orleans has ruled out wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (meniscus).

The Broncos are considered underdogs against the Saints this week.

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Broncos vs. Saints: 5 things to watch for on ‘Thursday Night Football’

The Saints will host the Broncos on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 7. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on.

The Denver Broncos (3-3) will go on the road to face the New Orleans Saints (2-4) in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season in a Thursday Night Football clash on Oct. 17. Going into the cross-conference matchup, here are five storylines to watch for.

1. Audric Estime’s role on offense: One day after saying he wanted to see Estime and rookie receivers Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin get opportunities on offense, coach Sean Payton backtracked and said it’s hard to get more than two running backs involved on offense. Perhaps both things can be true — Estime deserves more touches, but the Broncos don’t have enough touches for three running backs. After Javonte Williams lost a fumble and dropped a pass last week, the backfield rotation will be worth monitoring.

2. Ja’Quan McMillian at cornerback: Denver’s final injury report will be released later today and star cornerback Pat Surtain (concussion) seems unlikely to be available for TNF. McMillian has been an excellent slot cornerback for the Broncos, but his play was not quite as refined when he was asked to play on the outside following PS2’s injury on Sunday. McMillian and Riley Moss are expected to serve as the team’s outside cornerbacks in New Orleans with Levi Wallace in the slot.

3. Denver’s defense vs. Spencer Rattler: In his first NFL start last week, Rattler was sacked five times and threw two interceptions. The rookie quarterback completed 55% of his passes for 243 yards with one touchdown. He made a few plays with his legs, rushing four times for 27 yards. Vance Joseph’s blitz-heavy defense and elite secondary could give the rookie headaches, but Denver’s line will need to contain the QB and not let him hurt them on the ground or outside the pocket.

4. Bo Nix’s quest for a complete game: Nix had a pretty good three-game stretch going into last week, then he (and the entire offense) had a dud for three quarters against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos are undefeated (3-0) in games that Nix does not have a turnover this season. Denver needs to get off to a better start on Thursday and not rely on a late rally to get back in the game. Nix needs to stay composed in clean pockets and not get happy feet like he had a tendency to do against the Chargers. The rookie QB seems to be making progress, but he is yet to have a complete game.

5. Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans: Payton, of course, knows the Saints well. New Orleans coach Dennis Allen also knows Payton’s offense well. The Saints will honor former quarterback Drew Brees at halftime, making the night even more emotional for Payton. The coach is doing his best to keep his attention on the game, not his return to New Orleans. Payton is bringing a host of former Saints with him back to the Caesars Superdome, and it would not be surprising to see plays designed specifically for Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Adam Trautman and Michael Burton. Payton has great memories from his time with the Saints, but he would undoubtedly like to get a big win against his former team.

Thursday’s game will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video.

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Broncos release Tuesday injury report ahead of ‘TNF’

Broncos CB Pat Surtain (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday and he seems unlikely to play on Thursday.

The Denver Broncos practiced on Tuesday for the first time this week ahead of their Thursday Night Football clash with the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.

Broncos right tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) practiced on a limited basis, giving him an uncertain status for Thursday. Denver cornerback Pat Surtain (concussion) seems unlikely to play on Thursday after being the only player to not participate in Tuesday’s practice.

View the Broncos’ complete Tuesday injury report below. Note that Denver did not practice on Monday, but the team released an estimated practice report. DNP = did not participate.

Player Injury Mon (estimate) Tue Wed Game Status
CB Damarri Mathis Ankle Full Full
LB Justin Strnad Ribs Full Full
CB Ja’Quan McMillian Ankle Limited Full
CB Riley Moss Hip Limited Full
OT Alex Palczewski Ankle Limited Limited
CB Pat Surtain Concussion DNP DNP
OT Mike McGlinchey Knee Not listed Limited
OLB Baron Browning Foot Not listed Limited

The Broncos also opened the 21-day window for right tackle Mike McGlinchey (MCL) and outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) to return from injured reserve on Tuesday. Denver cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) is also eligible to return from IR this week.

Denver will hold another light practice on Wednesday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Thursday’s game in New Orleans.

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Broncos release estimated Monday injury report ahead of ‘TNF’

The Broncos did not practice on Monday, but they released an estimated injury report because they play on Thursday this week.

The Denver Broncos did not practice on Monday, but NFL rules require the team to release injury reports in the three days leading up to each game, so the Broncos released an estimated injury report today ahead of a Thursday Night Football clash with the New Orleans Saints.

Of note, right tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) is listed as a projected limited participant, which is a positive sign after he missed Sunday’s game. Mike McGlinchey (MCL) is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, and we’ll know more about his status perhaps as early as tomorrow.

Denver cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) is also eligible to return from IR, which is good timing because Pat Surtain (concussion) seems unlikely to be cleared in time for Thursday’s game.

View the Broncos’ complete (estimated) injury report below.

Player Injury Mon (estimate) Tue Wed Game Status
CB Damarri Mathis Ankle Full
LB Justin Strnad Ribs Full
CB Ja’Quan McMillian Ankle Limited
CB Riley Moss Hip Limited
OT Alex Palczewski Ankle Limited
CB Pat Surtain Concussion DNP

Denver will hold light practices on Tuesday and Wednesday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Thursday’s game in New Orleans.

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Broncos’ updated pronunciation guide for 2024 NFL season

Here’s an updated name pronunciation guide for the Broncos, including “Tyler buh-DAY.”

Fox commentators caused a stir in Broncos Country last week when they pronounced running back Tyler Badie’s name as “buh-day” instead of “bay-dee.”

It turns out, Tim Brando and Matt Millen were correct in their pronunciation. After going by “bay-dee” at Missouri and through two seasons in the NFL, Badie informed the Broncos last week that he wanted it to be pronounced “buh-day.” Duly noted!

So, with Badie’s name corrected, here’s a look at an updated name pronunciation guide for Denver’s players this season:

  • RB Tyler Badie: “buh-DAY“
  • OT Garett Bolles: BOWLS
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: bo-KNEE-toe
  • TE Greg Dulcich: dul-SICH
  • RB Audric Estime: AWE-drick ess-TE-may
  • OL Alex Forsyth: FORE-seith
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: fruh-BONE-ee
  • OL Nick Gargiulo: gar-JEWL-lo
  • CB Damarri Mathis: DUH-mar-EE
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: muh-GLOFF-lin
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: JAY-quan mac-MILL-in
  • OL Quinn Meinerz: minors
  • OL Alex Palczewski: pal-CHESS-key
  • OL Matt Peart: payrt
  • DB Keidron Smith: key-DRON
  • QB Jarrett Stidham: STID-um
  • LB Justin Strnad: stir-NAHD
  • CB Pat Surtain: sur-TAN
  • OLB Dondrea Tillman: DON-dre
  • DL Eyioma Uwazurike: en-YO-muh oo-WAZ-zur-EE-kay
  • WR Devaughn Vele: deh-VAWN VEH-lay
  • RB Javonte Williams: JUH-von-TAY
  • TE Thomas Yassmin: YAZ-min

Up next for Badie and Co. is a road game against the New York Jets on Sunday. Denver will aim to improve to 2-2 in Week 4.

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Sean Payton pleased with ‘extremely smart’ CB Ja’Quan McMillian

“He has really good football instincts,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian.

The Denver Broncos ask a lot out of their slot cornerbacks.

“They have to be smart,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said last month. “They end up playing the role somewhat of a linebacker so they have to be good in their run fits. They have to be, generally speaking, someone we feel like can be a pressure player. I’d say the other thing is their short area quickness has to be an asset. Those would be couple that stand out: smart, quick, pressure player, good tackler.”

Ja’Quan McMillian fits the bill.

Last season, McMillian totaled 51 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions, two sacks and two fumble recoveries playing in the slot. He’s exactly what Denver’s staff looks for at the position.

“He is extremely smart,” Payton said during training camo. “He caught us on a pressure today, disguised it well. We saw that a year ago. I kind of felt like he’s one of those players that kind of took a step into his own last year, created a lot of turnovers. He has really good football instincts and I think that is a trait that’s very important because there are a lot of adjustments that take place for that player when the motion goes or leaves.

“His fits in the run game are different than maybe the corners or even the safeties sometimes. So you’re looking for someone who has high football I.Q. and good COD [change of direction], someone that can tackle, and of course you’re going to play man-to-man, so how does he hold up when he’s covering up in the slot? [He handles] all of those things.”

McMillian joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of East Carolina in 2022. He emerged as a key member of Denver’s secondary last season and McMillian figures to remain an important part of the defense this fall.

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