As the losses mounted during the dark, pre-Bo Nix era, it was common for Broncos fans to lower their expectations from week-to-week. Broncos games were watched, not for the promise of a win, but in the hopes that there would be a glimmer of hope from players’ growth and development.
This season Broncos fans are getting both.
The much maligned Bo Nix spread the ball around to 9 different receivers, going 15 of 29 for 222-yards, averaging 7.7 yards per pass, spreading the ball around to 9 different receivers.
While the the much improved passing stats are a welcome relief to those losing sleep over Bo Nix’s performance in recent weeks, Sunday’s game against the Cardinals was won on the ground.
The Broncos 159-yards on the ground was headlined by two different notable ball carriers on Sunday. First of all, we need to welcome back the ‘tuck-and-run’ version of Bo Nix. There isn’t a defense around that saw his 62-yard run that won’t have to linger over the gameplan when considering his explosive scrambling ability going forward. Then there’s rookie Jonah Coleman who dazzled in his return from IR going for 54-yards on 9 carries. Sean Payton and all of Broncos Country was impressed with his team-leading (if you take out Nix’s run) 6.0 yards-per-carry. “He looked really good. Have to get him more touches definitely.”
RJ Harvey’s 52-yard house call and Dobbins’ goal line touchdown should also be highlighted as part of this very good night in Broncos Country. Heck, even Will Lutz crushed all three of his field goal attempts continuing to make the naysayers from earlier this season (me) choke on their words.
It turns out, that in the end, all Bo Nix needed to stifle concerns over offensive production was to play a team outside the top-10 and outside the division. The crisis of confidence crowd can release their stranglehold on their pearls, take a breath, and enjoy this dominant win over the Arizona Cardinals. At 5-2, the Broncos are poised to meet, if not exceed, expectations for this season.
Enjoy the ride, Broncos Country!
