Tag: Levi Wallace

Broncos’ depth chart for ‘TNF’ clash with Chargers

Levi Wallace is still listed above Damarri Mathis and Kris Abrams-Draine on the Broncos’ “unofficial” depth chart.

The Denver Broncos are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers in a Thursday Night Football showdown in Week 16.

The Broncos did not make any official changes to their published depth chart this week, but Damarri Mathis and Kris Abrams-Draine have clearly jumped Levi Wallace, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday. Wallace is still listed above them on the depth chart, though.

With that caveat in mind, here’s a look at Denver calls the “unofficial” depth chart going into Thursday’s game.

Broncos offensive depth chart

WR Marvin Mims Troy Franklin
LT Garett Bolles Matt Peart
LG Ben Powers
C Luke Wattenberg Alex Forsyth
RG Quinn Meinerz Alex Palczewski
RT Mike McGlinchey Frank Crum
TE Adam Trautman Lucas Krull
WR Courtland Sutton Lil’Jordan Humphrey Devaughn Vele
RB Javonte Williams Jaleel McLaughlin Audric Estime Blake Watson
FB Michael Burton Nate Adkins
QB Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Zach Wilson

Broncos defensive depth chart

DE Zach Allen Jordan Jackson
NT D.J. Jones Malcolm Roach
DE John Franklin-Myers Eyioma Uwazurike Matt Henningsen
SLB Jonathon Cooper Jonah Elliss Drew Sanders
WLB Nik Bonitto Dondrea Tillman
ILB Justin Strnad Zach Cunningham
ILB Cody Barton Levelle Bailey
LCB Pat Surtain Levi Wallace Tremon Smith
RCB Riley Moss Damarri Mathis Kris Abrams-Draine
NCB Ja’Quan McMillian
S P.J. Locke JL Skinner
S Brandon Jones Devon Key

Broncos special teams depth chart

PK Wil Lutz
KO Wil Lutz
P Riley Dixon
H Riley Dixon
LS Mitchell Fraboni
KR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith Jaleel McLaughlin
PR Marvin Mims Tremon Smith

Thursday’s game will be available to stream on Prime. The Broncos are one win away from clinching a spot in the 2024 NFL playoffs.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 31-13 win vs. Colts

Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto (92.2) did it again and CB Kris Abrams-Draine (79.4) looks like a gem. View more PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 15 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 15 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 85.9
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 81.3
  • G Ben Powers: 78.1
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 77.6
  • OL Matt Peart: 75.3

A brilliant performance from the offensive line. Peart only played five snaps, but the sixth- and seventh-best players on offense were WR Marvin Mims (71.3) and tackle Garett Bolles (70.8).

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 92.2
  • DB Brandon Jones: 92.0
  • CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 79.4
  • DB P.J. Locke: 78.7
  • CB Pat Surtain: 76.0

Another Defensive Player of the Year performance from Bonitto. Meanwhile, Abrams-Draine looks like another cornerback gem uncovered by Denver’s staff.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • WR Devaughn Vele: 45.2
  • WR Troy Franklin: 45.8
  • WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 49.4
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 49.9
  • RB Javonte Williams: 51.5

The sixth-worst player on offense was running back Jaleel McLaughlin (53.9). Adding weapons for QB Bo Nix should be a top priority in 2025.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL Jordan Jackson: 45.0
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 53.7
  • DL Zach Allen: 55.9
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 56.0
  • ILB Cody Barton: 57.0

Watching the game live, it didn’t seem like McMillian played as poorly as his grade indicates. Broncos coach Sean Payton also praised Mathis, so these harsh grades on defense should perhaps be taken with a grain of salt.

Special Teams 

  • ST Jonah Elliss: 70.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 73.0
  • R Marvin Mims: 86.2
  • K Wil Lutz: 70.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 62.9

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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5 things to watch for when the Broncos host the Colts in Week 15

The Broncos are set to host the Colts on Sunday. Here are five things to watch for in Week 15.

The Denver Broncos (8-5) are set to host the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season in a game with massive playoff implications in the AFC. Ahead of Sunday’s showdown, here are five quick storylines to keep an eye on leading up to and during the game.

1. Denver’s cornerback rotation: Riley Moss (knee) seems unlikely to play this weekend and Levi Wallace was a disaster in his place in Week 13. Might the Broncos turn to rookie Kris Abrams-Draine this week? Josh Downs (shoulder) has returned to practice for the Colts and Indy’s offense also features Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell. Denver needs to get the cornerback rotation right against a talented group of Colts receivers.

2. Containing Colts QB Anthony Richardson: He’s had his share of struggles as a passer, but Richardson has a big arm and dangerous legs. The 22-year-old quarterback has rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns through nine starts this season, picking up 28 first downs along the way. The Broncos have a brilliant group of pass rushers, but the unit will need to be careful to not get too far upfield and allow Richardson to get outside of the pocket and beat them around the edge.

3. Broncos’ rushing attack: Jaleel McLaughlin has been the team’s most productive running back in their last two games, but Denver will likely continue its committee approach against Indy. The Colts allow 147 rushing yards per game, second-most in the NFL. That’s good news for McLaughlin, Javonte Williams and rookie Audric Estime. Building an early lead and running over Indy’s defense could be a winning game plan on Sunday.

4. Denver’s defense vs. Jonathan Taylor: The Colts also have a productive rushing attack. With one of the NFL’s best rushing quarterbacks and an elite running back in Taylor, Indy has averaged 118.8 rushing yards per game this season. The Broncos’ defense, meanwhile, has allowed 94.7 rushing yards per contest. Denver’s defensive line against the Colts’ offensive line will be one of the most important matchups in Week 15.

5. Bo Nix coming out of the bye week: For the first time in his career, Nix is set to play an NFL game coming out of a bye week. He should be well-prepared as coach Sean Payton is 10-6 coming off a bye in his career, including a 24-22 win over the Buffalo Bills last season. Nix has totaled 3,148 all-purpose and 22 total touchdowns through his first 13 games in the NFL. This week, he’ll look to build on those totals against an Indy defense that has allowed the fourth-most yards (379.4) per game this season.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites against the Colts.

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Levi Wallace comments ‘worst game’ of his life against Browns

“This was the worst game I ever played in my life,” Broncos cornerback Levi Wallace said of his performance against the Browns.

With Riley Moss (knee) sidelined, the Denver Broncos turned to veteran cornerback Levi Wallace against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13.

Wallace struggled in a Monday Night Football spotlight as he was repeatedly targeted by Browns quarterback Jameis Winston. Wallace allowed seven receptions on 11 targets for 164 yards and a touchdown, according to advanced stats from Pro Football Reference.

Wallace was eventually benched in the fourth quarter in favor of rookie Kris Abrams-Draine and Denver held on to win 41-32. Following a bye week, Wallace commented on his poor showing against the Browns for the first time after Wednesday’s practice.

“Every time. Plays got made on me and I didn’t make plays. Simple as that,” Wallace said, via KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. “Can’t blame anyone else. … This is the NFL. You go through good, go through bad. This was the worst game I ever played in my life. I flush it.”

The Broncos are now set to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and Moss remains sidelined. It would not be surprising to see a different cornerback (perhaps Abrams-Draine) start over Wallace against Indy.

“Wherever the coach needs me,’’ Wallace told The Gazette‘s Chris Tomasson. “We all know the importance of this game. I know especially myself I didn’t put the best stuff on tape last week. But when you play this long you have some good games and you have some bad games. I take accountability for what I did last week and you move forward. It’s football. You have to find a way in playing in knowing that it’s a week-to-week league.”

Wallace, 29, has played in all 13 games this season, totaling 28 tackles and two pass breakups. We’ll see if he suits up on Sunday.

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Broncos coach Sean Payton pleased with CB Kris Abrams-Draine

Kris Abrams-Draine made his NFL debut against the Browns and Broncos coach Sean Payton was pleased with the cornerback’s performance.

After being picked by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft out of Missouri, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine was inactive for the team’s first 12 games of his rookie campaign.

Against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, with cornerback Riley Moss (knee) sidelined, Abrams-Draine made Denver’s game-day roster for the first time this season. Levi Wallace started in the place of Moss but he struggled and was benched late in the game in favor of Abrams-Draine.

The rookie cornerback was penalized in his brief appearance, but the call was disputed, and Abrams-Draine turned in an impressive overall performance.

“Good,” Broncos coach sean Payton said Monday when asked about the cornerback’s NFL debut. “He’s smart. He has a savviness to him. I think he’s getting stronger physically.

“I thought he handled his role [well] Monday night, going in there and playing. I thought he had a pretty good game in the kicking game. That’s important. So overall, I was pleased.”

Abrams-Draine played 12 snaps on defense and 12 snaps on special teams, ending the game with one tackle. If Moss also misses Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Abrams-Draine leapfrog Wallace on the depth chart.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 41-32 win vs. Browns

Nik Bonitto (92.3) had a huge game and Levi Wallace (32.0) had a night to forget. View more Broncos PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 13 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 13 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 89.2
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 82.2
  • QB Bo Nix: 76.5
  • WR Marvin Mims: 76.0
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 74.2

Sutton remains Mr. Reliable for Nix, and that 93-yard touchdown catch from Mims was huge. It’s been a long time since Denver had an offense this fun to watch.

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 92.3
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 91.6
  • CB Damarri Mathis: 77.6
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 76.5
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 76.3

Bonitto continues to make his case for Defensive Player of the Year while McMillian stars in the slot. Mathis might deserve more snaps going forward, too.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • RB Javonte Williams: 45.2
  • TE Adam Trautman: 50.3
  • OL Matt Peart: 55.1
  • OT Garett Bolles: 55.6
  • OL Luke Wattenberg: 57.9

PFF must grade penalties very harshly because Bolles held up mostly well against Myles Garrett, who finished the day without any sacks. Williams has posted a dud in back-to-back games.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • CB Levi Wallace: 32.0
  • DB Brandon Jones: 35.8
  • CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 37.6
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 47.5
  • DB P.J. Locke: 53.4

A night to forget for the secondary, particularly Wallace. Abrams-Draine was dinged by PFF for a penalty, but he appeared to be an upgrade over Wallace. The Broncos will hope Riley Moss (knee) is able to return after the bye.

Special Teams 

  • ST Jonah Elliss: 73.6
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 65.3
  • R Marvin Mims: 60.6
  • K Wil Lutz: 66.3 (FG) 52.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 69.9

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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5 takeaways from Broncos’ crazy 41-32 win over Browns

Pat Surtain should have followed Jerry Jeudy the whole game. More takeaways from the Broncos win over the Browns:

The Denver Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns 41-32 in a crazy Monday Night Football game in Week 13. Here are five quick takeaways following the victory.

1. Jaleel McLaughlin remains the hot hand: Javonte Williams scored a touchdown on Monday, but he ended the day with just four carries for one yard. He now has 12 carries for -1 yard over the last two weeks. McLaughlin, meanwhile, led the team with 14 carries for 84 yards against Cleveland. Denver’s backfield rotation is hard to predict on a week-to-week basis, but McLaughlin is trending up going into the bye.

2. Pat Surtain should have followed Jerry Jeudy: Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph opted to not have PS2 follow Jeudy on Monday, which was a curious decision. With Riley Moss (knee) unavailable, Levi Wallace was repeatedly torched by the Browns. Jeudy finished the day with nine receptions for 235 yards with one touchdown, but on the 34 plays that Jeudy covered him, the receiver totaled just two receptions for 20 yards. PS2 finally started following Jeudy late in the game and it appeared that Joseph also benched Wallace in favor of rookie Kris Abrams-Draine late in the contest. Both decisions should have been made sooner.

3. Courtland Sutton remains Mr. Reliable: Sutton ended the day with six receptions for 102 yards and he now has 42 receptions for 569 yards and three touchdowns over the last six weeks. He remains Denver’s best receiver and a reliable target for rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

4. That was a classic Jameis Winston game: Winston torched the Broncos’ secondary for 497 passing yards and four touchdowns … and three interceptions. It was a quintessential Winston experience. That might sound like a Browns Wire takeaway, but it’s notable for Denver, too, because future opponents might not gift interceptions at that rate. The Broncos easily could have lost Monday’s game if not for a pair of pick-sixes. Fans in Denver will hope that Moss recovers during the bye and is able to return in Week 15.

5. Nik Bonitto is a strong DPOY candidate: Bonitto is the first Broncos defender since Von Miller to record double-digit sacks and a pick-six in the same season. That’s pretty good company.

Bonitto’s 11 sacks this season rank second in the NFL, only trailing Trey Hendrickson (11.5). He’s making a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Broncos will now go into their bye week with an 8-5 record. After the bye, Denver will host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

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Broncos beat Browns 41-32 in ‘Monday Night Football’ thriller

What a wild ‘Monday Night Football’ game! The Broncos now go into their bye week with an 8-5 record following Monday’s win.

The Denver Broncos improved to 8-5 with a 41-32 victory in a Monday Night Football thriller against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season.

After the Broncos punted on their opening drive, Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a 47-yard field goal attempt on Cleveland’s first possession of the game. Nix then led a 12-play, 63-yard drive that was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Javonte Williams to take a 7-0 lead.

With Denver cornerback Riley Moss (knee) sidelined, the Browns attacked fill-in cornerback Levi Wallace on their next drive as quarterback Jameis Winston connected on an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku to tie the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Browns cornerback Denzel Ward tipped a Nix pass intended for Troy Franklin into the air and it was intercepted by Greg Newsome. Cleveland capitalized off that takeaway with a 45-yard Hopkins field goal to take a 10-7 lead.

Later in the second quarter, the Broncos went 67 yards on six plays and fullback Michael Burton scored on a one-yard run to make it 14-10. Shortly thereafter, Denver pass rusher Nik Bonitto made a game-changing play with a 71-yard pick-six to extend the lead to 21-10.

The Browns bounced back after that pick-six as Winston led an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown pass to Njoku to cut the deficit to 21-17 just before halftime.

In the third quarter, Nix threw a 93-yard touchdown pass to receiver Marvin Mims to make it 28-17.

Winston matched that score with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy. After a successful two-point conversion thrown to Jeudy, Cleveland made it a field goal game, 28-25. Broncos kicker Wil Litz later converted a 36-yard field goal to increase the lead to 31-25.

In the fourth quarter, Nix was intercepted by Ward when he threw a deep pass intended for Mims. The Browns capitalized on that takeaway as Winston later threw a five-yard touchdown pass to running back Nick Chubb to give Cleveland a 32-31 lead with just under nine minutes remaining in the game.

Denver then used up just over six minutes on a 61-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard Lutz field goal to retake a 34-32 lead. Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian then grabbed a 46-yard pick-six to make it 41-32.

Denver linebacker Cody Barton then sealed the game with an interception on the final drive of the game.

Winston threw for 497 yards and four touchdowns, but his three interceptions proved to be costly. Nix totaled 294 passing yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions.

Up next for the Broncos is a bye in Week 14 followed by a home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 15.

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Ravens vs. Broncos: Top photos from Baltimore’s 41-10 win in Week 9

Top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 9 at M&T Bank Stadium

Denver entered the game 5-3 with the NFL’s third-ranked defense, but the Baltimore offense shredded them, as Vance Joseph’s defense surrendered 396 yards and five touchdowns on the afternoon.

The Ravens are 6-3 after a 41-10 win over the emerging Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium.

Here are the top photos from the win.

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Lamar Jackson finished with perfect passer rating as Ravens demolish Broncos 41-10

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson finished with a perfect passer rating in Week 10 as the Ravens defeated the Broncos 41-10

The Ravens spent all week talking about removing the taste of an ugly loss to the Browns in Week 8. John Harbaugh’s team responded solidly, dominating the upstart Broncos 41-10 at M&T Bank Stadium.

Denver entered the game 5-3 with the NFL’s third-ranked defense, but the Baltimore offense shredded them, as Vance Joseph’s defense surrendered 396 yards and five touchdowns on the afternoon.

With talk about Josh Allen potentially winning MVP, Jackson completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday, marking his fourth perfect passer rating.

Derrick Henry finished with 101 yards rushing and two touchdowns, moving past Barry Sanders for 10th on the all-time touchdowns list and going over 1,000 yards for the sixth time in his career.

Zay Flowers had another 100-yard game, finishing with 127 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

On defense, Zach Orr’s unit surrendered 319 yards, including 197 passing and, most importantly, just ten points.

Baltimore will now prepare for Cincinnati on a short week and Amazon’s Thursday Night Football.