The Denver Broncos put together their first complete game of the 2026 season in a 30-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
The Broncos were really hot defensively, put together a respectable game on offense, and even had a great game on special teams, as they blocked a punt in the second half. By competing in all three phases of the game, the Broncos were able to lead the entire game, and push the lead to two scores by the end of the contest.
Before looking ahead to the Kansas City Chiefs, we take a look at the studs and duds from Week 7.
Stud: Bo Nix
For the first time in a long time, Nix makes it as a stud on our list. While there were still some struggles and throwaways, Nix had his best showing since Week 2 throwing the ball. Nix finished 15-of-29
for 222 yards, a passing touchdown and even a 62-yard rushing touchdown to put the Broncos up late in the first half. Nix hit almost 20 miles per hour on his touchdown run, which was the longest touchdown run by a quarterback in franchise history.
The longest rush by a QB in Broncos history. 👏
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 25, 2026
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/gyLz2vLmrB
Bo Nix reached 19.90 mph on his 62-yard scramble TD run, the longest TD on a QB scramble in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 25, 2026
No Cardinals defender got within four yards of Nix (after he took off to run) until he was inside the five yard line.#DENvsAZ | #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/nFSojtU0G0
Dud: J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins may be on the downward trend after Week 7. Dobbins only had six carries for 23 yards and a touchdown. The score was Dobbins' third rushing touchdown in three games, but it seemed very dampened. After he scored, Dobbins ran immediately to the sideline, largely without celebration and looked perturbed on the sideline. It's hard to imagine Dobbins leading the team in carries after today.
Stud: Jonah Coleman
Coleman, in his return to action after a stint on injured reserve, picked up right where he left off in Week 2: dominant. Coleman had nine carries for 54 yards rushing, and two catches for 15 yards. Coleman had a couple of great runs, including a 12-yarder in the fourth quarter. "He looked really good," coach Sean Payton said of Coleman in his postgame remarks. "Got to get him more touches."
Dud: Penalties
The refs were equally throwing the laundry for both the Cardinals and the Broncos. The two sides combined for 20 penalties and 173 yards. The Broncos alone had 11 accepted penalties against them for a whopping 114 yards. Arizona had six penalties that led to first downs. Payton said that he would never criticize the officiating after a game. Instead, he roasted them during the game.
#Broncos coach Sean Payton on the 11 penalties. "I am never going to criticize the officials. At one point I said, 'You are doing your the best to turn the TV audience off. You are on a roll.'"
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 25, 2026
Stud: Defense
The biggest strength of the team once again pulled through. The Denver defense was, once again, outstanding. The Broncos sacked Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett three times, turned the Cardinals over on downs, and held Arizona to 1-of-5 in the red zone, including a game-ending stand. Linebacker Alex Singleton, captain and quarterback of the defense, finished the game with 19 total tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits and one tackle for loss.
Stud: Broncos Country
The Broncos have been very fortunate to play several "home away from home" games this year. Sunday was no different. Broncos faithful roared at the good, booed at the bad, and were in the game the entire time. State Farm Stadium was a sea of orange, and fans have showed out across the country for Denver. Great job, Broncos Country!
🗣️ LET’S GO, BRONCOS! pic.twitter.com/79qjOObWJL
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 25, 2026
The Broncos savor the win, but turn their attention quickly to the Chiefs in Week 8. It will be a crucial matchup, and Denver looks to get revenge for their Week 1 beating and get one back against Kansas City.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Studs and duds from Broncos’ big win over Cardinals in Week 7
