7 takeaways from Broncos’ 30-16 win over Cowboys

The Broncos got a huge win over the Cowboys in Week 9! Here are our (mostly positive) takeaways from the game.

The Denver Broncos got a big win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, upsetting one of the NFC’s top teams on the road. Here are our seven primary takeaways from the 30-16 victory.

 

Tunnel Vision of Week 9

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Lamar Jackson 266 – 120 3
 Justin Herbert 356 – 14 3
 Matt Ryan 343 – 8 3
 Josh Johnson 317 – 18 3
 Carson Wentz 272 – 16 3
Running Backs Yards TD
James Conner 21-96 rush
5-77 catch
3
Jonathan Taylor 19-172 rush
2-28 catch
2
Nick Chubb 14-137 rush
2-26 catch
2
Joe Mixon 13-64 rush
5-46 catch
2
Nyheim Hines 6-74 rush
4-34 catch
1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Elijah Moore 7-84 2
Olamide Zaccheaus 3-58 2
DeVonta Smith 5-116 1
Malik Turner 5-33 2
Brandon Aiyuk 6-89 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
George Kittle 6-101 1
Travis Kelce 5-68 1
Stephen Anderson 4-39 1
Donald Parham 3-39 1
Darren Waller 7-92 0
Placekickers XP FG
Brandon McManus 1 3
Chase McLaughlin 5 2
Graham Gano 2 3
Matt Gay 1 3
Justin Tucker 4 2
Defense Sack – TO TD
Patriots 1 – 3 1
Browns 5 – 3 1
Titans 5 – 2 1
Texans 4 – 5 0
Dolphins 5 – 4 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

RB Ezekiel Elliott – Knee (returned)
RB Rhamondre Stevenson – Head
RB Damien Harris – Head
RB Zack Moss – Concussion
RB Devontae Booker – Hip
RB Chase Edmonds – Ankle
TE Jonnu Smith – Shoulder
TE Albert Okwuegbunam – Knee

Chasing Ambulances

RB Rhamondre Stevenson (NE)
RB Damien Harris (NE)
– Both New England backs  suffered head injuries which entailed laying on the ground for a bit (not on the same play). The Patriots are rarely forthcoming about injuries but both could end up in the concussion protocol. If either back is out for Week 10 against the Browns, Brandon Bolden becomes much more than the third-down back.

RB Zack Moss (BUF) – Left in the third quarter of the loss to the Jaguars, Moss is believed to have been concussed. That makes Devin Singletary the clear primary back if Moss it out. While the Bills are not a run-heavy offense, they face the Jets and their terrible run defense this week.

RB Devontae Booker (NYG) – Was knocked out of the win over the Raiders with a hip injury but was X-rayed  and said he was fine and wanted to return to the game.  The Giants are on bye this week and by Week 11, assumedly Saquon Barkley is back anyway.

RB Chase Edmonds (ARI) –  The Cardinals back only lasted for one play when he injured his ankle and left the win over the 49ers. In his absence, James Conner turned in a career day with 173 total yards and three touchdowns. Eno Benjamin used nine carries to gain 39 yards and a score during the mop-up portion of the game. Benjamin would be a bit player next week if Edmonds remains out, but Conner would again shoulder a large workload.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Christian McCaffrey (CAR)  – Was reported to be on a pitch count in his first game since Week 3, but he was just as busy as before. McCaffrey was the leading rusher (14-52) and the leading receiver (4-54). Chuba Hubbard was left with only three carries for three yards and one catch. Until he is hurt again, Christian “The Franchise” McCaffrey is back in business.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) – The Browns had little need to pass, but DPJ made the most of his two catches. He scored a 60-yard touchdown in the second quarter and added a 26-yard catch later in the game. He’s the favorite to replace Odell Beckham and already led the Cleveland receivers in his first start.

RB Javonte Williams (DEN) – After his first seven games rarely topped 50 rushing yards, the rookie turned in his first 100-yard effort when the Broncos beat the Cowboys in Dallas. Williams ran for 111 yards on 17 carries but failed to catch any passes for the first time as well.  Melvin Gordon still took the rushing touchdown on his 21 runs for 80 yards, but Williams is at least setting the stage for 2022 if the Broncos elect to let Gordon leave in free agency.

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) – With Calvin Ridley gone for an indeterminate amount of time, Ryan was held to a season-worst 146 passing yards and one score with two interceptions in Week 8 against the Panthers. Just when it seemed he’d taken a downward turn, Ryan turned in one of his best games of the year. He passed for 343 yards and two scores in the win over the Saints and even rushed in a touchdown. Cordarrelle Patterson (6-126) was his top receiver but both Russell Gage (7-64) and Kyle Pitts (3-62) helped out.

TE Darren Waller (LV) – The Raiders’ star tight end was stuck at 50-yard efforts this year and only scored once since Week 1. In the first game without Henry Ruggs, Waller returned as the primary receiver with seven catches for 92 yards. This week against the Chiefs should be an even more bountiful matchup.

RB Jordan Howard (PHI) – Two games since Miles Sanders left and Howard’s scored in each matchup. He ran 17 times for 71 yards and the touchdown in the Week 9 loss to the Chargers one week after rushing 12 times for 57 yards and two scores in the win over the Lions. Boston Scott (10-40) remains involved, but Howard is productive as the new lead back.

WR DeVonta Smith (PHI) – So much didn’t make sense this week. The Eagles’ rookie wideout hadn’t scored since the season opener and only managed one catch for 15 yards in Week 8 at the Lions. He faced the No. 2 defense against wideouts on Sunday against the Chargers. Naturally, he logged his best game of the year with five catches for 116 yards and a touchdown.

QB Jordan Love (GB) – The first start for the rookie could have gone better.  Facing the No. 28 defense against quarterbacks, Love was held to 190 yards and one score with one interception. He threw 14 passes at Davante Adams but only completed six for 42 yards. A score in the final five minutes salvaged his day.

QB Patrick Mahomes (KC) – At home against the No. 24 defense, Mahomes passed for 166 yards and one score. I’m just  going to leave that right there and walk away.

WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF) – The former first-round pick was a star as a rookie but then flopped this year while Deebo Samuel sponged up nearly every pass. He caught four passes for 45 yards in Chicago in Week 8 as a season-best. And he had a meeting with Kyle Shanahan where “words were exchanged,” and Aiyuk came away with a new dedication to practice. That translated into Week 9 where he again turned in a season-high six catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.

TE George Kittle (SF) – Returned after spending four weeks on injured reserve and posted six catches for 101 yards and a score in his first game back. He led the 49ers’ receivers but the game was almost entirely passing since the 49ers trailed throughout the loss to the Cardinals.

RB Jeff Wilson (SF) – He was active for the first time this year but did not have a carry. But realize, the next time you start Elijah Mitchell and really need him, Wilson will probably pick that week to get some work.

Titans backfield – The first game without Derrick Henry and the Titans opted for a three-man committee. D’Onta Foreman (5-29), Jeremy McNichols (7-24), and Adrian Peterson (10-21, TD) all shared in the workload and McNichols added three catches for 11 yards. Both Foreman and Peterson are new to the team, so the distribution is likely to shift. But, there is no free agent equivalent to Derrick Henry waiting to be picked up by a team. The No. 2 defense against running backs of the Saints is up next.

QB Josh Johnson (NYJ) – 1.02 pick of Zach Wilson hasn’t thrown for more than two scores or over 300 yards in any game as a rookie. He’s been replaced for the last two games by Mike White (405 pass yards, 3 TD) and once White was hurt in Week 9, Josh Johnson (317 pass yards, 3 TD) also played better than the rookie has. Maybe Wilson should get some seasoning on the bench for the rest of the year because  his backups are turning in Top-10 performances each week.

WR Elijah Moore (NYJ) – Playing with Zach Wilson meant that the rookie wideout topped out at four catches for 47 yards and only totaled nine receptions on the year. With Mike White in Week 8, Moore caught six passes for 67 yards. With Josh Johnson in Week 9, he caught seven passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson has to go through his learning curve, but Moore’s production has spiked without him.

Huddle player of the week

RB James Conner (ARI) –  The Cardinals backfield committee lost Chase Edmonds on the first play of the game and Conner never looked back. He rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, plus caught five passes for 77 yards and a third score. He already logged three games with two touchdowns, and now has his first three-score game.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Josh Jonson 335 3 QB Patrick Mahomes 166 1
RB Nyheim Hines 108 1 RB Aaron Jones 53 0
RB Devonta Freeman 83 1 RB Zack Moss 24 0
WR Olamide Zaccheaus 58 2 WR Davante Adams 42 0
WR Malik Turner 33 2 WR CeeDee Lamb 23 0
WR D. Peoples-Jones 86 1 WR Tyreek Hill 28 0
TE Donald Parham 39 1 TE Mark Andrews 44 0
PK Brandon McManus  1 XP   3 FG PK Greg Zuerlein   nope
Huddle Fantasy Points = 129 Huddle Fantasy Points = 33

Now get back to work…

No Von Miller, no problem: Broncos dominate Cowboys, win 30-16

Following a big win over the Cowboys, the 5-4 Broncos are now back in playoff contention.

No Von Miller, no problem for the Denver Broncos’ defense.

In their first game in the post-Miller era, the Broncos’ defense held the Cowboys scoreless on their first eight possessions in Week 9. Dallas didn’t score until late in the fourth quarter as Denver’s defense dominated the game from start to finish, securing a 30-16 win.

Starting at Miller’s former position, seventh-round rookie Jonathon Cooper recorded his first two career sacks, and fellow rookie safety Caden Sterns also intercepted a Dak Prescott pass.

On offense, the Broncos’ ran over the Cowboys’ defense, with rookie Javonte Williams rushing 17 times for 111 yards, marking the first 100-yard performance of his NFL career. Fellow back Melvin Gordon added 21 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown.

That productive rushing attack opened things up for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who connected with wide receiver Tim Patrick on a 44-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Bridgewater finished the game 19-of-28 passing for 249 yards with one touchdown pass and no turnovers. Bridgewater also rushed for a one-yard touchdown in the win.

Denver’s big game was marred by a multiple injuries: Broncos right tackle Bobby Massie (ankle), guard Graham Glasgow (leg), tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (knee), cornerback Pat Surtain (knee) and defensive lineman McTelvin Agim (knee) all left the contest and did not return.

Denver was already without left tackle Garett Bolles (ankle) going into the game, so Calvin Anderson started in Dallas and Cam Fleming filled in for an injured Massie. Broncos top backup guard Netane Muti (Reserve/COVID-19 list) was not active, so rookie Quinn Meinerz filled in for Glasgow.

Denver was also without Noah Fant (COVID-19), so when Okwuegbunam left the game, Eric Saubert and Andrew Beck filled in at tight end. Kyle Fuller and Nate Hairston got more playing time after Surtain left.

Despite all those injuries, the Broncos got a huge win on the road. Denver is now 5-4, putting the team back in playoff contention.

Up next for the Broncos is a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. After that, Denver will have a bye in Week 11.

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Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Washington’s Week 8 game with Broncos Wire

We previewed this week’s Washington-Denver game with Broncos Wire, who gave us some tremendous insight into the Broncos.

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The Washington Football Team (2-5) faces the Denver Broncos (3-4) on Sunday in a game featuring two talented but struggling teams.

Washington enters Sunday’s game losers of three in a row, while the Broncos have lost their last four games. Both teams need a win. Another Washington loss would make it six for the season with a tough stretch upcoming after the Week 9 bye.

To preview this week’s game, we recently sat down with Broncos Wire managing editor Jon Heath. Jon gave us some terrific analysis on the 2021 Broncos.

5 Broncos to watch in Week 8 vs. Washington

Here are five Broncos to watch in their Week 8 game at Washington.

The Denver Broncos (3-4) host the Washington Football Team in Week 8 at Empower Field at Mile High. This matchup features two teams on losing streaks as the Broncos have lost four in a row, while Washington has lost three in a row.

Washington last won in Denver in 2001 when quarterback Kent Graham led the WFT from behind to steal a win from the Broncos in the fourth quarter.

Can Washington repeat that magic 20 years later and pick up a critical road victory?

For Washington to steal one on the road against the Broncos, it will need a strong performance against some of Denver’s top players.

Here are five Broncos to watch on Sunday.

Broncos RB Javonte Williams shows off receiving skills with TD vs. Browns

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams flashed his pass-catching prowess Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns

The Denver Broncos made a bold move to trade up to the top of the second round in the 2021 NFL draft, targeting a dynamic running back in North Carolina’s Javonte Williams.

The rookie showed off his impressive athleticism in Week 6 with an epic hurdle, and he took the opportunity Thursday night to display his pass-catching prowess.

On a key 3rd-and-goal, Williams took a screen pass and weaved his way into the end zone, cutting in the Cleveland Browns’ lead in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Williams is still splitting touches with veteran Melvin Gordon III, but it won’t be long before Williams takes over the Denver backfield for himself.

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WATCH: Teddy Bridgewater throws TD pass to Javonte Williams

Following Teddy Bridgewater’s TD pass to Javonte Williams, the Broncos now trail the Browns 17-14 in the fourth quarter.

Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater connected with running back Javonte Williams for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Here’s video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter page.

At the time of this writing, Denver is trailing Cleveland 17-14.

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Javonte Williams has been Broncos’ bright spot on offense

Javonte Williams is averaging just 8.5 carries per game over the last three weeks. The Broncos should make him more involved on offense.

The Denver Broncos’ offense has been poor over the last three weeks, with only running back Javonte Williams standing out in each of the team’s three straight losses.

Against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, Williams went viral on social media after carrying multiple defenders on his back on a 31-yard run. In Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Williams had a 49-yard run that nearly reached the end zone. Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, Williams hurdled a defender on a 30-yard run.

He’s a big play waiting to happen, and Denver should get him more involved on offense as the team approaches the midway point of the season.

Williams has averaged an impressive 4.6 yards per carry this season, but he’s only gotten 11, 8 and 7 carries, respectively, in the team’s last three games. Williams plays in a shared backfield with Melvin Gordon, but there should be enough reps for both backs to get more carries than they have been.


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Gordon only has 10, 9 and 9 carries himself over the last three weeks despite averaging a productive 4.7 yards per carry. The Broncos should look to run more going forward, starting with Thursday’s nationally televised game against the Cleveland Browns.

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WATCH: Javonte Williams goes airborne over defender with epic hurdle

Watch Denver Broncos rookie running back Javonte Williams go flying over a would-be tackler

The Denver Broncos landed a huge steal in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft when they traded up for North Carolina running back Javonte Williams, and he put his impressive skill set on display Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Midway through the third quarter, Williams took a handoff and turned the corner for a first down and more, finishing the run by hurdling a would-be tackler.

Veteran Melvin Gordon III is still a big part of the Denver offense, but the Broncos clearly have something special in their rookie running back.

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Broncos lose to Steelers 27-19, drop to 3-2

Up next for the Broncos is a home game against the Raiders in Week 6.

After a 3-0 start to begin the year, the Denver Broncos have now dropped to 3-2 following consecutive losses.

One week after Denver lost to the Baltimore Ravens 23-7 at home, the Broncos lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-19 on the road in Week 5. Denver’s offense was underwhelming in both losses.

Broncos rookie running back Javonte Williams was one of the team’s only bright spots on offense, rushing eight times for 61 yards, but his productive game was overshadowed by underwhelming performances elsewhere on offense.

Denver wide receiver Courtland Sutton missed what could have been a third-down catch in the first half, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater posted his second-lowest completion percentage of the season and the offensive line allowed two sacks and frequent pressure.

Bridgewater finally got the offense clicking in the fourth quarter, but his late interception on Denver’s final drive sunk their comeback attempt.

The Broncos’ defense didn’t have a very good day, either. Denver’s defense allowed Steelers rookie running back Najee Harris to rush for 122 yards on 23 carries. Pittsburgh’s offense ran over the Broncos’ defense on their way to a win at home.

Next week, Denver will return home to host the Las Vegas Raiders.

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