It wasn’t the prettiest game, but the Broncos, led by their defense, did enough to come away with the week 1 victory and improve to a 1-0 record to start the season.
The Broncos would turn the ball over four times, but despite that, they had multiple big plays on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, which led to them winning the game. Let us revisit these big plays and discuss their ultimate impact on the game’s result.
1. Talanoa Hufanga’s forced fumble
It was a 3-3 game early in the 2nd quarter, and the Titans and rookie
quarterback Cam Ward were in Broncos territory and in field goal range. However, on a second down run play, Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga shot in like a missile and hit Titans running back Tony Pollard, forcing a fumble which was recovered by safety Brandon Jones.
This likely took at least three points off the board for the Titans and was one of the many big plays made by the Broncos’ defense in this one. It was also a big play by Talanoa Hufanga, who was voted a team captain, and was playing in his first game with the Broncos.
He made a good first impression.
2. Nik Bonitto’s sack on 3rd and goal
It was a 3-3 game, the Titans were driving and had a big 3rd and goal coming up with a chance to make it a 10-3 game. However, edge rusher Nik Bonitto showed up in the big moment and sacked rookie quarterback Cam Ward and limiting the Titans to a field goal.
Like the forced fumble, this took points off the board for the Titans and limited the damage to a field goal. Instead of being down 10-3, it was a 6-3 game, and the Broncos were still very much in this game. It was one of the many big plays made by Bonitto and the Broncos’ defense during this game.
3. Bo Nix throws a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton
After some questionable clock management by the Titans, the Broncos had about 40 seconds and good field position to put points up on the board before half. It was a disappointing first half for the Broncos, but they had a shot to end the half on a high note. After a defensive pass interference, Nix would hit Courtland Sutton for a touchdown pass, giving the Broncos a 10-3 lead.
This was a huge momentum shift that was quickly reversed after a long kickoff return, which resulted in a field goal before halftime for the Titans. However, it was still a big play by Nix and the Broncos offense, which gave them the lead heading into halftime. This would end up being the only real highlight for the Broncos’ offense in this game.
4. Huge sacks by Jonah Elliss and Zach Allen
All-Pro returner Marvin Mims Jr. just got done making a rare mistake and muffing the punt return, which led to a turnover, giving the Titans the ball deep inside Broncos territory. The Broncos had a 13-12 lead at this point and time, and it appeared like the Titans were about to take the lead. However, the Broncos’ pass rush had something to say about that.
Rotational edge rusher Jonah Elliss would sack Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward for a HUGE 16-yard loss on 2nd down. The Titans had a backup right tackle in, and Elliss used a pass rush move to get inside and after Ward quickly, which resulted in the big loss.
On the following play, the Titans had a 3rd and 24 but were still in field goal range. Well, the Broncos defense and pass rush stepped up again and Zach Allen would make sure to knock him out of field goal range with another huge sack.
The Broncos’ defense would step up again and take potential points off the board for the Titans. It was a one-point game at this point and time, the momentum was on their side, and they made sure that the rare mistake by Mims would not come back to hurt the team.
5. Huge runs by R.J. Harvey and J.K. Dobbins
The Broncos’ run game was pretty quiet up until this point, but a big run by rookie R.J. Harvey would change the entire complexion of this game. The explosive rookie would find some open space and explode for a 50-yard gain. This flipped the momentum instantly and lit a spark under the Broncos’ offense.
In his NFL debut, Harvey showed off why the Broncos drafted him in the second round and showed what he is capable of in this offense. He only had 6 carries in this game, but that should change moving forward if he continues to explode for runs like this.
Following this play, veteran running back J.K. Dobbins would cap off the drive with another big run play, which resulted in a touchdown for the Broncos.
This touchdown would give the Broncos an 8-point cushion, which would ultimately be enough to win this game. With the emphasis on improving their run game, it was nice to see the two players they brought in to improve it show up in a big way in week one.
6. Ja’Quan McMillian game-ending strip sack
After the Broncos turned the ball over on downs late in the 4th quarter, the Titans would have one last chance to tie the game. However, after some drops and missed throws, it was 4th and 10 with the game on the line, and cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian blitzed off the edge and ended the game with a strip sack.
This ended the game and allowed the Broncos to go into victory formation and kneel it out. This play was just the cherry on top for a defense that completely dominated throughout and was a big reason why the Broncos would go on to win this game.
