The Denver Broncos controlled the game from start to finish against the Arizona Cardinals. There were a few times the Cardinals would hang around or catch up, but the big play lifted the Broncos to a double-digit win on the road in Week 7. They are now 5-2 and knocking the Kansas City Chiefs AFC West lead next week in Mile High.
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There were ample options for game balls in this game and since we’ve all been starved for a breakout
offensive performance that is where most of ours went, but I feel like we left a few out there for the outstanding defensive effort. Mention those in the comments, especially the egregious omission of Nik Bonitto here. There are only so many of us on staff to hand these out, sadly.
The biggest thing is that Denver desperately needed a ‘get right’ type game on offense and that was exactly what they got. And just in time with the Chiefs coming to town in Week 8. The most important test of the Broncos 2026 season will be how they respond against those Chiefs after what happened to this team in Arrowhead in Week 1. Hoping to see a playoff-caliber effort then.
Here’s who we’re giving our game balls to from the Broncos win over the Cardinals:
Bo Nix
Bo Nix gets my game ball. He is the 4th QB in modern NFL history to throw for and run for a 50 yard TD in the same game. The other three were Cam Newton in 2012, and Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields who both did it in 2022. Bo finished the game with 295 yards of total offense (222 passing and 73 running).
He also hit 19.9 mph on his 62 yard TD run, which is flying. It’s not fast enough to make the Top 20 on NFL NExtgen stats, but it is close and there are currently no QBs in the top 20. Bo’s 62 yard TD carry is the longest run by a QB this season. It’s the third longest run by a player this season with only Kenneth Walker and Bucky Irving having longer runs so far this season. – Joe Mahoney
Jonah Coleman
If there was any doubt Coleman needs to be the No. 1 running back for Denver, it’s gone. The rookie was outstanding on Sunday. He finally got the running game going for the Broncos and the offense was much better as a result. Coleman also picked up a blitzer in pass protection. The rookie running back had nine carries for 54 yards, averaging six yards per carry. Coleman also had two receptions for 15 yards. As Payton said to the media after the game, “Got to get him more touches. Definitely.” – Ian St. Clair
RJ Harvey
RJ Harvey isn’t the flashiest of running backs carrying the rock, but he’s a home-run hitter as a pass catcher. He had arguably the play of the game by taking a 52-yard screen pass to the house. The Broncos need more plays like this, and Harvey is a playmaker who has a nose for the end zone. – Sadaraine
Alex Singleton
There have been a few disappointing performances for Alex Singleton this season. However, I believe Singleton has played well during the Broncos’ three-game winning streak. He finished today’s game with 19 tackles. He was all over the field making plays and his sack late in the game was a big difference maker on the defense’s goal line stand. They’ll need him to keep playing at a high level, especially in Week 8 when Denver has their rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. – Chris Hart
Marvin Mims Jr.
Marvin Mims Jr. had a few opportunities on special teams in this game and had a decent return there, but the big play came on offense. Nix found him open on the side line and the jump cut by Mims sprung him free for a 47-yard gain that setup decisive touchdown to put the Broncos up and out of reach for the Cardinals. – Tim Lynch
Ja’Quan McMillian
Ja’Quan McMillan continues to prove he deserves all the money. With Pat Surtain McMillan has stepped up and made big plays every week. Against the Cardinals he was in the mix all day. With 5 tackles and 3 PDs, he made it difficult for the cardinals offense to get any consistency. – Adam Malnati
