Here’s a look at whose stock improved or declined after the Broncos’ 23-16 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.
Stock Up
EDGE Nik Bonitto: Denver’s third-year edge rusher has been productive. In the third quarter, Bonitto took down quarterback Justin Herbert for an 8-yard loss, marking the fourth straight game he had recorded a sack. It is the eighth time since 2015 that a Bronco has posted at least one sack in four straight games and the first since former Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller. Bonitto is second on the team in sacks (four), behind edge rusher Jonathon Cooper (4.5), and is projected to finish the season with 11 sacks, according to ESPN.
WR Devaughn Vele: In his first game since the season opener, the Broncos rookie wideout was impressive. Vele, a seventh-round pick, caught four passes for 78 yards on six targets while averaging 19.5 yards per reception. His receiving yard total was the second-most by a Bronco pass-catcher this season. Vele’s 37-yard reception helped set up Bo Nix’s 2-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Troy Franklin in the fourth quarter. Broncos coach Sean Payton said he wants to play the rookies more. Vele deserves the opportunity.
DE Zach Allen: Denver’s defense wasn’t great on Sunday, but Allen remained productive. He recorded a team-high four pressures, with at least one pressure against three different Chargers blockers, according to Next Gen Stats. Allen was able to create pressure despite being doubled on 53.1% of his pass rushes. He has 3.5 sacks after his split sack in the second quarter. Allen’s career-best sack total in a season is 5.5. He has the chance to surpass that mark soon.
CB Tremon Smith: Smith’s value on special teams shouldn’t go unnoticed. He has been effective as a gunner, but over the past two weeks, he has showcased his returning skills. In the first quarter on Sunday, Smith burst down the field for a 31-yard kick return — a week after he had a 38-yard return against the Raiders.
Stock Down
RB Javonte Williams: Just when it seemed like Williams had found his groove, he fell into a rut. Denver’s starting running back rushed for 23 yards on six carries while averaging 13 yards per attempt. He also had a costly fumble near midfield in the second quarter. Williams has rushed for fewer than 30 yards in four of six games in 2024. Meanwhile, Nix has been Denver’s leading rusher in three contests. Sure, it’s good that Nix can make plays with his legs. But Denver’s three-game win streak showed the importance of having production from its running backs, especially Williams. The Broncos didn’t get that on Sunday and the result speaks for itself.
LT Garett Bolles: Denver’s starting left tackle continued to rack up the penalties. Bolles was flagged for false start and illegal formation in the loss. This season, Bolles has recorded eight penalties — second-most in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. In the third quarter, Bolles also whiffed on a block, but Nix managed to escape a potential sack before scrambling 21 yards down the field for a first down.
HC Sean Payton: The Broncos head coach might have to fix whatever he incorporates in the first-half script. This season, Denver’s offense in the first half has been a complete mess outside of its Week 3 victory over Tampa Bay. Denver has only two touchdowns in first halves this season, both coming on the ground. Nix has yet to throw a touchdown pass in the first half. Against the Chargers, the Broncos were scoreless in the first half for the second time in six games. In five possessions in the first half, the Broncos recorded two turnovers and punted three times.
Secondary: Herbert was the best quarterback the Broncos have played thus far, and it didn’t help when star cornerback Pat Surtain II left the game in the first quarter with a concussion. Herbert completed 12 of 14 passes for 114 yards against zone coverage, according to Next Gen Stats. Broncos cornerback Riley Moss gave up 71 receiving yards and an 80.7 passer rating on eight targets. Meanwhile, nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian made a couple of costly mistakes throughout the game.
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