Tag: tremon smith

Justin Strnad, Tremon Smith plead their cases after ‘TNF’ penalties

“I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do,” Broncos LB Justin Strnad said when asked about the Justin Herbert slide.

The Denver Broncos were penalized seven times for 61 yards in a 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 16.

One of the most crucial fouls came from linebacker Justin Strnad, who was penalized for “barely” hitting sliding Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert on a third down in the third quarter. Instead of facing 4th-and-6 from Denver’s 11-yard line, L.A. was gifted a 1st-and-goal from the five-yard line.

The Chargers went on to score a touchdown. Assuming they would have kicked a field goal on fourth down if not for the penalty, that foul was a four-point swing.

After the game, Strnad initially said he had “no comment” on the play before later saying, “I don’t think it was a penalty.”

When asked if he made contact with Herbert, the linebacker had this response: “I think I like barely hit him. I mean, he’s a huge quarterback, I’m getting ready to tackle him, he slides last second. I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.”

This is the play in question:

Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith also had a crucial penalty that cost the team points. Just before halftime, Smith made contact with a returner who had called fair catch. The resulting 15-yard penalty gifted the Chargers a fair catch free kick, a three-point swing.

Smith admitted it was a “dumb penalty,” but he also implied that the returner manipulated the situation.

“The returner did a good job of selling it, just running into me even though he wasn’t going to catch the ball,” Smith said. “Like I said, dumb penalties.”

Strnad and Smith will look to bounce back when the Broncos face the Cincinnati Bengals on the road in Week 17.

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5 takeaways from the Broncos’ 34-27 loss to Chargers on ‘TNF’

The Broncos lost to the Chargers on Thursday night. Here are five takeaways from the defeat.

The Denver Broncos lost to the Los Angeles Chargers 34-27 on Thursday Night Football in Week 16. Here are five quick takeaways from the defeat.

1. Denver’s penalties killed them: The Broncos were penalized seven times for 61 yards. Two of the most costly penalties came from cornerback Tremon Smith and linebacker Justin Strnad. Smith committed a 15-yard penalty on a punt fair catch that spotted L.A. a free field goal just before halftime. Strnad’s hit on a sliding Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert turned a fourth down into a first down and L.A. later scored a touchdown. Those two penalties cost seven points in a game that ended up being decided by a touchdown.

2. Sean Payton had a bad game: Perhaps the coach can be forgiven for attempting to score again with 41 seconds left before halftime, a decision that resulted in a Denver punt and the penalty that led to a Chargers field goal. Had it worked, Payton would have been praised for aggressiveness and the Broncos could have put the game out of reach. The coach isn’t off the hook for his decision to punt in the fourth quarter, though. Trailing by three points, Payton opted to punt on 4th-and-6 just one yard shy of midfield with 4:35 remaining in the game. Following that decision, L.A. essentially put the game out of reach on their ensuing drive.

3. The pass interference no-call should have been a moot point: Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still definitely got away with pass interference against Broncos receiver Marvin Mims in the fourth quarter, but that sequence never would have happened if quarterback Bo Nix threw a better pass. Mims was open by several yards and Nix underthrew him, allowing Still to catch up. Had Nix led the receiver, Mims could have scored a touchdown to give the Broncos a four-point lead. Yes, it should have been DPI. But Nix needs to throw a better ball.

4. The defense came up short: Denver’s offense only managed two field goals after halftime, but they are not alone in the blame for Thursday’s loss as Vance Joseph’s unit allowed three touchdowns in the second half. The defense was undisciplined with several crucial penalties and countless missed tackles.

5. The sky is not falling just yet: With two games remaining, the Broncos can still make the NFL playoffs. Denver would clinch a spot with one more win, and they can clinch even earlier with help from three other teams. If the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts all lose or tie on Sunday, the Broncos would clinch a Wild Card spot. That’s unlikely to happen, though, so Denver’s game against the Bengals in Week 17 could have massive playoff implications. The path remains simple for the Broncos — win and you’re in.

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5 Broncos players who deserve to make the 2025 Pro Bowl

These five Denver Broncos players should make the Pro Bowl this season.

Fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl opened on Monday and the Denver Broncos have five players who deserve to make the All-Star game.

Here’s a quick list of the Broncos players who should receive an invite to Florida following the regular season.

1. CB Pat Surtain: PS2 has allowed just 142 passing yards this season, fewest in the NFL among qualified cornerbacks. Add in three interceptions (including a 100-yard pick-six) and Surtain should be a lock.

2. G Quinn Meinerz: He delivers pancake blocks seemingly every week. Meinerz is overdue for his first career Pro Bowl nod.

3. DL Zach Allen: He’s currently sidelined with a heel injury, but Allen still leads defensive linemen with 52 pressures this season. Allen has dominated this fall, totaling 21 quarterback hits, 12 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and five sacks through 11 games.

4. OLB Nik Bonitto: The first Broncos to record double-digit sacks since 2018, Bonitto is in contention to lead the NFL in sacks this season.

5. WR Courtland Sutton: His 744 receiving yards rank in the top four in the AFC, as do his five receiving touchdowns. Sutton has been a reliable WR1 for rising rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Honorable mentions: CB Riley Moss, K Wil Lutz, OLB Jonathon Cooper, CB Ja’Quan McMillian, DB Brandon Jones, LT Garett Bolles, QB Bo Nix, KR/PR Marvin Mims and ST Tremon Smith.

Fans can vote for the Pro Bowl through Dec. 23. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2.

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Bo Nix struggles, Broncos lose to Seahawks 26-20 in Week 1

Bo Nix struggled until late in the fourth quarter and his late touchdown wasn’t enough as the Broncos fell 26-20 to the Seahawks.

Bo Nix struggled in his NFL debut as the Denver Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks 26-20 at Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon.

Nix went 26-of-42 passing for 138 yards with no passing touchdowns and two interceptions. It was a day to forget for the rookie and Denver’s entire offense.

Denver’s defense, on the other hand, came out flying, starting the game with a Jonathon Cooper sack on Seattle’s first snap. One play later, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw an interception to Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton.

That takeaways set Denver’s offense up with good field position, but the Broncos had to settle for a 35-yard Wil Lutz field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Seattle matched that field goal to make it 3-3 later in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Denver drove down to the Seahawks’ 21-yard line, but the drive ended with Nix’s first career interception, a poor decision thrown into coverage. That turnover set Seattle up at its own one-yard line and their offensive line was penalized for holding on the next play, a foul that resulted in a two-point safety. That gave the Broncos a 5-3 lead.

Later in the second quarter, Denver safety JL Skinner recovered a muffed Seahawks punt return at Seattle’s nine-yard line. The Broncos’ offense then settled for another Lutz field goal to make it 8-3.

The Seahawks erased that deficit on their next drive when Smith rushed 34 yards for a touchdown to make 9-8 (their 2-point attempt failed).

Denver made another big play on special teams later in the second quarter when cornerback Tremon Smith and Skinner teamed up to pin Seattle at its own one-yard line on a punt. One play later, Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet was tackled by Zach Allen in the end zone for another safety that made it 10-9.

Lutz added a 45-yard field goal just before halftime to extend the lead to 13-9. After the offense went three-and-out to open the second half, the Broncos’ defense allowed a 23-yard touchdown run to Ken Walker as the Seahawks retook the lead 16-13.

On Denver’s ensuing drive, running back Jaleel McLaughlin lost a fumble near midfield. That led to a Seattle field goal that made it 19-13.

In the fourth quarter, Charbonnet scored on a 30-yard touchdown catch to extend the lead to 26-13. Nix later threw a second interception that essentially sealed the Broncos’ fate. Nix’s garbage time four-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter proved to be too little too late as Denver fell 26-20 after the Seahawks ran out the clock.

Up next for Denver is a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. After sitting out Week 1 with a calf injury, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has an uncertain status for next week’s game at Empower Field at Mile High.

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5 Broncos players who could become cap casualties next week

These five veteran players could become cap casualties when the Broncos begin roster cuts next week.

After wrapping up preseason on Sunday, the Denver Broncos will turn their attention toward trimming the roster from 91 players down to a 53-man roster by Tuesday’s deadline.

Before the roster cuts begin next week, here’s a quick look at five veterans who could become cap casualties in 2024.

1. QB Jarrett Stidham: After naming Bo Nix their starting quarterback, the Broncos have to choose between Stidham and Zach Wilson as their QB2. Wilson is three years younger and cheaper than Stidham ($2.7 million compared to $7 million). If the Broncos release Stidham, the team would save $5,000,000.

2. RB Samaje Perine: Denver has a crowded backfield with several young, promising running backs. That could leave Perine as the odd man out. Perine will turn 29 next month the Broncos will save $3,000,000 if he’s cut.

3. CB Tremon Smith: Denver is also crowded at cornerback and the team could save $2,500,000 if Smith is released. Fortunately for Smith, he is a key special teams player, so he might be safe.

4. P Riley Dixon: Trenton Gill is five years younger than Dixon and he’s $1.05 million chapter. If the Broncos release Dixon, the team would save $1,735,000.

5. CB Damarri Mathis: If Smith does make the team, it might come at the expense of Mathis’ roster spot. Pat Surtain, Ja’Quan McMillian, Riley Moss and Kris Abrams-Draine seem to be locks, and Levi Wallace is a steady veteran. Add in Smith and that’s six CBs. If Denver cuts Mathis, it would save $985,000.

We will track all of the team’s roster moves next week on Broncos Wire.

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5 notes and takeaways from the Broncos’ first preseason game

The Broncos defeated the Colts in their preseason opener on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the victory.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 in their preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways from the victory.

1. Personnel notes: Eleven players sat out, including seven injured players. Broncos safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) sat out injured and cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen were rested. Devon Key started at safety across from P.J. Locke and Angelo Blackson and D.J. Jones started on the defensive line.

With Surtain not suiting up and Levi Wallace (hamstring) injured, the Broncos started Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis at cornerback. At inside linebacker, Cody Barton started next to Alex Singleton. Tremon Smith lined up as a punt returner and he also got reps as a kickoff returner alongside Jaleel McLaughlin.

2. Jarrett Stidham was let down by his teammates: Stidham’s first drive stalled after false start penalties by receiver Courtland Sutton and tackle Mike McGlinchey, and a taunting penalty from receiver Tim Patrick. Stidham’s second drive ended with an interception that wasn’t his fault (more on that shortly). Stidham finished the game 4-of-7 passing for 37 yards. He didn’t lead any scoring drives, but the blame for that falls mostly on his teammates.

3. Denver’s backfield remains crowded: Javonte Williams got four carries and Jaleel McLaughlin got nine touches. They are seemingly both locks. Audric Estime, a fifth-round pick in April, is probably safe, too. Estime rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 13 yards. Blake Watson turned nine carries into 26 yards and a touchdown and even Tyler Badie got in on the action with two carries for 13 yards and a score. The team’s only running back to not get a carry might be in jeopardy…

4. Samaje Perine’s stock is falling: Perine is Denver’s best receiving back, but he mishandled his lone target on Sunday, leading to an interception that was credited to Stidham. The pass was accurate, but Perine bobbled it and bounced it into the air. Perine will turn 29 years old next month and the Broncos would save $3 million if he’s released this summer. If he does not stand out as the best receiving and blocking back in preseason, Perine might be in danger of not making the 53-man roster.

5. Bo Nix finished well after a shaky start: Nix, of course, is the big storyline. His overall performance was encouraging, but Nix did have some rookie moments early in the game. He started with two incompletions (including one that could have been intercepted) and he also mishandled a snap. Fortunately, Nix’s struggles ended there. The rookie quarterback finished the game 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. Nix also showed off his mobility, rushing three times for 17 yards. The offensive line also kept Nix — and all three QBs — upright as the Broncos did not give up any sacks. Overall, it was a strong showing for Nix, albeit mostly against backup defenders. Nix is now set to start against the Green Bay Packers next week. Green Bay is expected to rest most of their defensive starters, but Nix will face starters when the Broncos host the Packers for a joint practice on Friday.

After hosting Green Bay, Denver will close out preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. Then it’s on to the regular season. The Broncos are scheduled to go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.

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Broncos roster series: No. 1, CB Tremon Smith

The Broncos would save $2.5 million if they release CB Tremon Smith. With depth at the position, Smith might struggle to make the roster.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year cornerback Tremon Smith, No. 1.

Before the Broncos: Prior to signing with the Denver Broncos last year, Smith (6-0, 190 pounds) was picked in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith spent 2018-2019 on the Chiefs’ roster before heading north to the NFC’s Green Bay Packers during the 2019 season. In 2020, Smith was a member of the Indianapolis Colts. After his time in Indiana, Smith stayed in the AFC South, this time spending 2021-2022 with the Houston Texans.

Broncos tenure: Smith signed a two-year deal with Denver in March 2023, with hopes that he could become a special-teams mainstay. He played just one snap on defense last fall and 391 snaps on special teams.

Chance to make the 53-man roster: On the bubble. The Broncos have a crowded cornerback depth chart and the team could save $2.5 million if they release Smith. Additionally, Denver originally brought Smith in to try and be a kick return specialist, a job which is seemingly locked up by second-year wide receiver Marvin Mims. If Smith does not make a good impression at camp, his stay in Denver could be a short one.

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8 potential cap casualties for the Broncos ahead of free agency

The Broncos need to create more salary cap space and the contracts of these players could put them in danger of getting cut.

With the unofficial start of NFL free agency just over one week away, the Denver Broncos are more than $14 million over the salary cap.

The Broncos will need to free up cap space just to re-sign some of their in-house free agents. Denver will need to create even more cap space if the team is planning to target any pending big-name free agents from other clubs.

There are various ways the Broncos could free up cap space, including trading players, restructuring contracts and giving extensions to select players. The simplest option is making roster cuts.

Denver is expected to release quarterback Russell Wilson in the coming weeks, but that (expected) move will create “dead money” against the salary cap. There are several other players who the Broncos could cut this spring to actually create more cap space ahead of free agency.

Here are eight players to keep an eye on over the next two weeks. Potential cap savings reflect a cut with a post-June 1 designation (if applicable), with the numbers provided by OverTheCap.com.

8 Broncos players have changed their jersey numbers

If KJ Hamler returns to the Broncos later this year, he will need a new jersey number: CB Tremon Smith has switched to No. 1.

Several Denver Broncos changed their jersey numbers on Monday.

Punter Riley Dixon, who wore No. 19 in preseason, switched to No. 9. Broncos receiver Marvin Mims, who wore No. 83 in preseason, then switched to No. 19.

Cornerback Tremon Smith also switched to No. 1 after wearing No. 23 in preseason. Cornerback Fabian Moreau, who wore No. 36 this summer, then switched to No. 23 (running back Tyler Badie remains No. 36).

Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, who previously wore No. 35, now wears No. 29. Defensive back Devon Key, who wore No. 38 in preseason, now wears No. 26 (running back Jaleel McLaughlin still wears No. 38).

Quarterback Ben DiNucci, who wore No. 6 this summer, now wears No. 11 (safety P.J. Locke still wears No. 6).

No. 1: CB Tremon Smith (previously 23)
No. 9: P Riley Dixon (previously 19)
No. 11: QB Ben DiNucci (previously 6)
No. 12: WR Tim Patrick (previously 81) [injured reserve]
No. 19: WR Marvin Mims (previously 83)
No. 23: CB Fabian Moreau (previously 36)
No. 26: DB Devon Key (previously 38)
No. 29: CB Ja’Quan McMillian (previously 35)

New practice squad players also received their numbers: WR Phillip Dorsett (No. 13), ILB Ben Niemann (No. 57), TE Lucas Krull (No. 85) and WR David Sills (No. 87).

Additionally, defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster is wearing No. 96. That’s not a new change — Lancaster switched from No. 62 to No. 96 after defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike was suspended indefinitely for gambling.

During the offseason, players are allowed to share numbers if they play on different sides of the ball (such as McLaughlin and Key both wearing No. 38 in preseason). With the regular season now right around the corner, though, numbers 0-99 can only be worn once on the 53-man roster and 17-player practice squad.

The Broncos are considered 4-point favorites against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. View the team’s full regular season schedule here.

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Marvin Mims likely to return punts for Broncos as a rookie

“I’m excited to bring that to the next level if that’s my role for the team,” Marvin Mims said of possibly returning punts for the Broncos.

No rookies are handed a starting position. Marvin Mims will have to compete for the punt return job this summer, but he’s clearly the early favorite to win that role.

Before the draft, Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted that Denver was looking for a new returner at the NFL owners’ meetings. Then the Broncos traded up into the second round of the draft to select Mims, who ran a 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at the combine.

His speed stood out on film.

“The one thing that I think we found that was different was lot of these receivers you felt were in rush hour traffic — Monday through Friday,” Payton said. “This was one that looked like he was driving on Saturday and Sunday. He was open, and it was cleaner. That’s because of his speed.”

Payton replaced most of Denver’s coaching staff this offseason and brought in Ben Kotwica as the new special teams coordinator and Mike Westhoff as an assistant head coach with an emphasis on special teams. Payton believes those coaches will get the most out of Mims as a returner.

“When you have a guy like Kotwica and Mike Westhoff — we feel like he’s one of the best return coaches that’s ever coached in the NFL” Payton said. “To have a prospect come in and compete was exciting for us.”

Mims returned 33 punts for 391 yards in three years at Oklahoma, averaging 16 yards per return in 2022. He also returned three kickoffs for 108 yards.

“I’ve done punt return and kick returner,” Mims said. “Kick return — I’ve kind of been in and out as they let younger guys do it. Punt return — I’ve started ever since I was a true freshman in college with my first career game. I’m really comfortable with it. It’s something I’ve done for three years, and I’m excited to bring that to the next level if that’s my role for the team.”

This offseason, the Broncos signed cornerback Tremon Smith, who has returned 94 kickoffs for 2,323 yards in his career. Again, nobody will be handed a starting job, but Smith (kickoffs) and Mims (punts) appear to be the obvious favorites to handle return duties in Denver this fall.

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