Tag: Pat Surtain

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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Broncos QB Bo Nix making a real case of Offensive Rookie of the Year

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is building a strong case to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award this fall.

After a slow start to his pro career, Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been red-hot in recent weeks.

Nix posted a record-breaking performance in a 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, completing 28-of-33 passes for 307 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers.

“I thought he played well,” coach Sean Payton said after Sunday’s win. “You feel like you’re in good hands. He’s smart with the football. He makes plays with his feet. A lot of times you’re calling plays for certain looks [and] the looks aren’t there. He has that ability to create and all the while protect the football. I thought he played really well.”

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles also gushed with praise for Nix.

“I think he’s incredible,” Bolles said. “Bo is my dog, and he leads his team. He leads this offense. We go as far as his play. Us five up front just needed to handle business and that’s what we did. What makes him so special is when he has time to throw the ball, he gets the ball to our playmakers. He’s a deadly quarterback in this league.”

Nix is now gaining steam as a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, joining Jayden Daniels in the conversation.

“He’s been on fire all year,” receiver Troy Franklin said. “He’s been doing really well, especially his confidence and the way he carries himself in the locker room. We really didn’t feel like we had a rookie. He just feels like an experienced veteran, and he’s been on the field every play.

“With his elusiveness and being able to extend plays, he doesn’t quit on any plays. He’s Bo Nix. He wants to make the most of every play so it’s a lot of fun playing with him.”

Nix has scored 19 total touchdowns this season (14 passing, four rushing and one receiving). The next-closest among rookies is Daniels (14).

“The dude should be in conversations for Rookie of the Year,” veteran receiver Courtland Sutton said. “There should be no hesitation. He shows up week-in and week-out, he’s only been able to progress each weekend. That’s all you can ask for. For a young guy to continue to progress, continue to meet the challenges that are faced in front of them, and that is what he continues to do.

“It’s a lot of fun to be a part of. A lot of fun to watch him go out there and just have fun. You can tell he’s like a kid, he is just enjoying himself. For your quarterback to be out there enjoying himself and not panic, there’s not one ounce of panic that goes upon him, no matter what part of the game we’re in. It’s a lot of fun.”

Oddsmakers have also noticed Nix’s ascension. Before the season started, BetMGM had Nix listed with +1700 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s now all the way down to +400, only trailing Daniels (-600).

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“I haven’t seen a quarterback, a rookie quarterback, like him, in a long time,” running back Javonte Williams said. “And just the way he keeps composure, the way he treats people, and just the way he plays on the field. I mean, he’s the full package.”

Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain took it a step further by suggesting Nix is in the conversation for NFL MVP this fall.

It’s probably too early to talk NFL MVP, but Nix has certainly put himself in the mix to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Nix will look to build on his 2,572 yards and 19 touchdowns when Denver goes on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from win over Falcons

Nik Bonitto (90.0) was the Broncos’ best player vs. the Falcons, followed by Quinn Meinerz (92.1) and Bo Nix (83.3). View more PFF grades.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 38-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 11 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 11 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • G Quinn Meinerz: 92.1
  • QB Bo Nix: 83.3
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 77.4
  • WR Devaughn Vele: 75.5
  • RB Javonte Williams: 73.8

Bo Nix had the best game of his career in a record-breaking performance. Denver has also found creative ways to get WR Marvin Mims (73.2) involved, and he ended the day with the sixth-best grade on offense.

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 90.0
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 77.4
  • DB Devon Key: 75.3
  • CB Pat Surtain: 70.1
  • DL Zach Allen: 65.6

Nik Bonitto has now topped his 2023 sack total and he’s just one sack away from the first double-digit sack season of his career. Bonitto’s nine sacks are tied for second-most in the NFL this season.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • G Ben Powers: 51.1
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 54.6
  • C Luke Wattenberg: 59.0
  • TE Adam Trautman: 59.0
  • TE Lucas Krull: 59.3

Tight end needs to be a priority position for the Broncos in the offseason. Tyler Warren would be a dream draft target.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL Jordan Jackson: 29.5
  • LB Levelle Bailey: 41.9
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 45.7
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 46.3
  • CB Riley Moss: 48.2

The Cooper and Moss grades seem a bit harsh.

Special Teams 

  • ST Devon Key: 86.2
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 77.8
  • R Marvin Mims: 61.3
  • K Wil Lutz: 68.0 (FG) 55.2 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 55.9

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

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Broncos QB Bo Nix named NFL Rookie of the Week

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to put up impressive numbers in his first season.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was named the NFL Rookie of the Week for his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10.

Against the Chiefs, Nix went 22-of-30 passing (73.3%) for 215 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers, good for a 115.3 passer rating. This is Nix’s first time winning the award in 2024.

According to a statement released by the Broncos, Week 10 was Nix’s third game this season with a passer rating of at least 100 and it was his fourth game with multiple passing scores.

Nix is the first Bronco to win the weekly award since Pat Surtain did it in Week 12 of 2021. Nix is also the fourth Broncos quarterback to win Rookie of the Week, joining Drew Lock, Tim Tebow and Jay Cutler.

Nix’s impressive rookie campaign is highlighted by his 15 total touchdowns (10 passing TDs, good for first among rookies), 206 completions (first among all rookie quarterbacks), and 1,968 passing yards (second among all rookie signal-callers).

Nix looks to continue to improve against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11 on Sunday.

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Sean Payton recalls ‘difficult’ decision to cut Justin Simmons

“That was difficult, I mean, holy cow,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of the decision to cut Justin Simmons this spring.

Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons is set to return to Empower Field at Mile High this weekend to face the Denver Broncos, his old team.

Simmons, 30, was released by the Broncos this spring in a move that saved the team $14.5 million in salary cap space. Denver coach Sean Payton was asked about the decision to cut Simmons after Wednesday’s practice.

“That was difficult, I mean, holy cow,” Payton said. “I remember him coming out in the draft. I remember — look, I was just with him a season, but it’s always difficult when you’re dealing — especially with a veteran — someone who’s played so well for the organization. Those are never easy decisions.”

Simmons will reunite with many former teammates on Sunday, including cornerback Pat Surtain. Simmons is still in a defensive back group chat that includes Surtain, Ja’Quan McMillian and P.J. Locke.

“It’s going to be a lot different, obviously, my past few years here, he’s been on our side of the ball,” Surtain said Wednesday. “So it’s going to be very much different, but I’m excited for the reunion for sure. I know [there’s] a lot of anticipation leading up to it.

“I’m looking forward to it, I know he’s excited, we’re excited. We’re still connected in the group chat, so [there’s] going to be a lot of trash talk going into it. It’s going to be pretty cool.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered slight favorites in Week 11.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from loss vs. Chiefs

Bo Nix (72.6) received the third-best grade among the Broncos’ offensive players on Sunday. View more PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 10 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 10 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE Lucas Krull: 78.6
  • WR Devaughn Vele: 73.3
  • QB Bo Nix: 72.6
  • OT Garet Bolles: 69.1
  • C Luke Wattenberg: 65.2

Despite the offense not scoring in the second half, it was a good performance from Nix (just ask Patrick Mahomes). Nix put the team in position to win at the end.

Best Defensive Players 

  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 74.4
  • DL D.J. Jones: 72.9
  • CB Pat Surtain: 72.8
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 70.5
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 70.5

A huge game for Denver’s defensive line and pass rush as outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman (69.8) received the sixth-best grade on defense. No Baron Browning, no problem. Inside linebacker Cody Barton (68.1) was seventh.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • OL Ben Powers: 46.8
  • FB Michael Burton: 51.7
  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 55.3
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 56.4
  • RB Javonte Williams: (57.6)

It looks like the Broncos are making a change at running back: Audric Estime (60.5) was ranked 10th on offense this week. Estime (26) led the backfield in snaps, followed by Williams (17) and McLaughlin (7).

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DB P.J. Locke: 38.9
  • DB Brandon Jones: 48.8
  • OLB Jonah Elliss: 50.2
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 55.2
  • CB Riley Moss: 57.9

A day to forget for Denver’s safeties, although the illegal contact penalty called against Jones was highly controversial. Justin Strnad (59.0) was the sixth-worst defender. His snaps were declining with the emergence of Kwon Alexander from Weeks 7-9, but Alexander is out of practice squad elevations and he did not dress on Sunday. The Broncos should probably find a spot for Alexander on the active roster so he can play in the final seven games.

Special Teams 

  • ST Levelle Bailey: 68.9
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 43.0
  • R Marvin Mims: 59.7
  • K Wil Lutz: 56.4 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 59.8

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

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Even Pat Surtain’s dad (a former Chief) thinks the refs favor KC

Even Pat Surtain’s dad (a former Chief) was not happy with questionable officiating during Sunday’s game in Kansas City.

NFL fans have been suspicious in recent seasons that officials favor quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs with their calls. Sunday’s 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos certainly added fuel to the fire.

The Chiefs benefited from several questionable calls against the Broncos in Week 10, including a safety Brandon Jones being penalized for illegal contact, which negated a Nik Bonitto sack on third down.

After Kansas City was gifted a first down, they went on to score a touchdown, so that penalty was arguably a four-point swing. Fans and pundits quickly lashed out against the call on Twitter/X.

Among those who objected to the call was the father of Denver cornerback Pat Surtain II — Patrick Surtain Sr. tweeted: “These refs…smh.”

The elder Surtain played cornerback in the NFL from 1998-2008, spending his final four years in the NFL with the Chiefs. He obviously has more loyalty to his son than to his former team.

The Broncos had plenty of chances to win Sunday’s game, and they acknowledged that after the loss. Fans will cope with conspiracy theories, but Denver can’t blame the officials. The Broncos need to play better going forward, even if it feels like the officiating is one-sided.

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Broncos vs. Chiefs: 5 things to watch for on Sunday

Here are five things to watch for when the Chiefs host the Broncos on Sunday.

After facing the Baltimore Ravens on the road last week, the Denver Broncos are now set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on the road this week.

The Broncos lost to the Ravens 41-10 and coach Sean Payton must now attempt to stop the bleeding before going up against a division rival.

“Listen there’s a little bit of UFC to our league,” Payton said this week.
“You’ve got to be able to, each week, I don’t care who you’re playing, if you’re not careful you can catch one on the chin. You’ve got to get back up and you’ve got to get back to work.

“That gets back to that mental toughness, the grit, all the things that we’re looking for. Not only in our players, but our coaches and everyone. You get excited to play the next game to hopefully get the taste out of your mouth.”

With the team looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat in Baltimore, here are five storylines to watch for ahead of the Denver vs. KC matchup.

1. Weekend roster moves: The Broncos have seven players set to return to the 53-man roster in the coming weeks, and they’ll have to make some cuts to make room for the returning plays. Denver has one open spot on the active roster after trading pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals, but the team will probably need to create at least one more opening this weekend. Center Luke Wattenberg and linebacker Kwon Alexander seem to be likely candidates to get activated to the 53-man roster on Saturday.

2. Denver’s center decision: With Wattenberg expected to return, the Broncos will need to make a decision at center. Wattenberg started the first five games of the season before landing on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Alex Forsyth started the last four games while Wattenberg was on IR. Will the team now stick with Forysth or go back to Wattenberg?

3. Broncos backfield rotation: The Chiefs allow just 83.9 rushing yards per game, third-fewest in the NFL this season. That will be a tough test for starter Javonte Williams and change-of-pace back Jaleel McLaughlin. Payton also hinted this week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season.

4. Pat Surtain vs. DeAndre Hopkins: It didn’t take long for “Nuk” to get on the same page with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In his second game after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans via trade, Hopkins hauled in eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9. Hopkins is still a formidable receiver, especially in the red zone. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Surtain follow Hopkins on Sunday.

5. Bo Nix connecting on deep throws: Despite playing with Troy Franklin in college, Nix has struggled to connect on deep throws to Franklin this season. Facing a Chiefs secondary that ranks near the middle of the pack, Nix will undoubtedly aim to get on the same page with Franklin this week. Going up a stingy run defense, Nix will need to step up for Denver’s offense to have success on the road.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Broncos’ 2021 draft class is paying off big time

The Broncos picked Pat Surtain, Quinn Meinerz and Jonathon Cooper in the 2021 NFL draft. They’re now all signed through at least 2028.

The Denver Broncos made 10 picks in the 2021 NFL draft. Half of those players started for the team this season, and at least three of them will remain core players for the foreseeable future.

The Broncos used their first-round pick that year to select cornerback Pat Surtain, who received a four-year, $96 million contract extension in September. The team’s second-round pick was running back Javonte Williams, who remains Denver’s starting RB.

In the third round, the Broncos picked guard Quinn Meinerz, who signed a four-year, $80 million deal in August. In the final round of that draft, Denver picked pass rusher Jonathon Cooper. He received a four-year, $60 million extension earlier this week.

That’s three players at three key positions — cornerback, pass rusher and offensive line — who are now signed through at least the 2028 season. Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix also has a fifth-year option in his contract for 2028.

Building through the draft is the most sustainable way to build a winning roster in the NFL and three years later, Denver’s 2021 class is paying off.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from loss vs. Ravens

Kwon Alexander (92.4) was the Broncos’ best defensive player against the Ravens. View more PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 41-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 9 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 9 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • WR Courtland Sutton: 79.0
  • OT Garett Bolles: 71.1
  • C Alex Forsyth: 67.7
  • RB Audric Estime: 66.5
  • FB Michael Burton: 66.2

Sutton threw a touchdown pass and he also had his second-straight game with 100 receiving yards. G Quinn Meinerz (64.3) and QB Bo Nix (63.2) were the sixth- and seventh-best graded players on offense.

Best Defensive Players 

  • LB Kwon Alexander: 92.4
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 76.9
  • DL Eyioma Uwazurike: 70.9
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 70.1
  • OLB Jonathon Cooper: 67.5

Denver made a great signing by picking up Alexander after losing Alex Singleton to a torn ACL. CB Pat Surtain (62.5) and DL Zach Allen (62.3) were sixth- and seventh-best on defense.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • TE/FB Nate Adkins: 42.0
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 50.1
  • TE Adam Trautman: 50.1
  • TE Lucas Krull: 51.6
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 52.8

Nix is getting no help from his tight ends and little help from non-Sutton receivers: Marvin Mims (53.7) and Lil’Jordan Humphrey (56.5) were the sixth- and seventh-worst players on offense.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • LB Justin Strnad: 25.6
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 27.2
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 30.1
  • CB Riley Moss: 38.0
  • DL Jordan Jackson: 41.0

Strnad seems to be ceding the ILB job to Alexander. McMillian and Moss had a rough day in coverage.

Special Teams 

  • ST JL Skinner: 88.8
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 62.7
  • R Marvin Mims: 63.7
  • K Wil Lutz: 62.6 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 60.4

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

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