The Denver Broncos have now won three games in a row after going on the road and defeating the Arizona Cardinals 30-16 on Sunday. With the victory, the Broncos improve to 5-2 on the season.
The Broncos looked much better in this game than they did the last time we saw them on the field against the Seattle Seahawks, so it seems that the 10-day rest allowed them to prepare for this game and helped to correct the sluggishness of the offense. It wasn't a perfect performance, as the Cardinals certainly had their chances in this one, but it was a solid victory that featured a new team record being set.
Let's take a look at the highs and the lows from this one.
The good, the bad and the ugly from Broncos' win over Cardinals
The good
Bounce-back game for Bo Nix: This is the only place that we can start in talking about what
went well for the Broncos. After a week and a half of hearing about how bad Nix has played this season, he had a standout performance against Arizona, throwing for 222 yards and a touchdown while also posting 73 yards rushing. More on Bo in a moment.
Jonah Coleman paces rushing attack: This is what the Broncos and their fans have been waiting for. Jonah Coleman only carried the ball nine times, but he gained 54 yards on the ground, which is a solid 6-yard average, and his burst was noticeably better than what the Broncos have had to this point in the season. He is going to play a key role in the overall success of this team as the season goes on.
Alex Singleton: The Broncos' inside linebacker was all over the place in this game, making his presence felt on seemingly every play on defense. He had 19 tackles and a sack on Sunday.
Nix breaks record: Nix made the biggest play of the game on Sunday with this unbelievable run.
62 YARDS TO THE 🏠@bonix10 | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/NsGWQ3s5oD
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 25, 2026
You hardly ever see that out of a quarterback. That 62-yard touchdown run now stands as the longest run by a quarterback in the Broncos' history. Prior to Sunday, the longest run by a Broncos QB was 40 yards, which was done twice, both against the Raiders, coincidentally.
Tim Tebow ran for a 40-yard touchdown in 2010 and prior to that, Jake Plummer had a 40-yard run against the Raiders on September 22, 2003, on Monday Night Football. Congrats to Nix on a record that could stand for a very, very long time.
The bad
Penalties: This is a recurring problem for the Broncos, and it's something that eventually has to be fixed. They were penalized 11 times for 114 yards in this game, which is one of the reasons the scoreboard indicated a closer game than it really was.
Defending Trey McBride: Most teams have issues with the Cardinals' tight end, but he was just dominating the Broncos' defensive backs during many plays in this game, allowing him to finish with 10 receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown.
The ugly
Riley Moss pass interference: This was just a ridiculous call by the officials in this game. How in the world is this pass interference?
How is this pass interference on Riley Moss?? pic.twitter.com/3CBFTx1O0g
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) October 25, 2026
Moss seems to have gained a reputation as a player the referees like to target for a certain penalty, much like Garett Bolles was early on in his career. This was one of the worst calls of the entire NFL season.
Play that Jaylen Waddle was hurt on: With less than five minutes to play and the Broncos up by 14 and moving the ball well on the ground, Sean Payton decided to call an end-around to Jaylen Waddle on first down from the Arizona 44-yard line. Waddle bobbled the ball, had to dive on it, and was in obvious pain after being hit while on the ground. He did not return to the game after suffering a chest injury.
This was a horrendous play call. What is the thought process here? At least Payton acknowledged that much and apologized after the game.
The Broncos will now set their sights on a rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs. This time, the game will be played in Denver, and there will be huge AFC West stakes on the line.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: The good, the bad and the ugly from Broncos’ win over Cardinals
