The Denver Broncos “ran up the score” in a convincing 28-14 victory against the Carolina Panthers. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released their grades for Week 8, and as expected, many of the Broncos were rewarded for their performances.

Offense

Best Offensive Players 

  • TE Adam Trautman: 90.0
  • QB Bo Nix: 87.2
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 80.9
  • C Alex Forsyth: 80.3
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.4

Worst Offensive Players 

  • WR Troy Franklin: 39.5
  • OL Calvin Throckmorton: 41.4
  • TE Lucas Kull: 49.8
  • WR Marvin Mims: 51.6
  • WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 53.4

The Broncos made the most of National Tight End Day, as both Adam Troutman (90.0) and Nate Adkins (59.1) found the end zone. Troutman was basically perfect, catching all four targets for 85 yards.

Quarterback Bo Nix (87.2) had a career day, earning his highest PFF grade of the season. Relying on his arm rather than his legs, Nix showcased his improved passing ability with a season-high 85.3 passing grade. In the last six games, he’s thrown eight touchdowns and just one interception.

Unfortunately for Troy Franklin (39.5), drops have been a major issue in his rookie season. Despite evident chemistry with Nix from their Oregon days, the duo must iron out some issues. With three wide receivers underperforming, the Broncos should consider bolstering their receiving corps through a trade.

Defense

Best Defensive Players 

  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 83.1
  • CB Levi Wallace: 79.2
  • DL Jordan Jackson: 74.9
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 74.5
  • OLB Baron Browning: 72.1

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DB Tremon Smith: 39.6
  • CB Riley Moss: 41.4
  • DL Zach Allen: 47.5
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 48.8
  • DB Kevon Key: 54.0

John Franklin-Myers (83.1) had four pressures, including two quarterback hits. The offseason acquisition has been a major boost for the Broncos’ defense, and he is on pace for a career year. Though he received the highest grade amongst all players on the team, it was Franklin-Myers’ son, Kyler, who stole the show in the pregame.

Ja’Quan McMillian (74.5) created a turnover for the second week in a row. His interception of Bryce Young in the end zone was a highlight-reel play that showcased his athleticism and instincts.

It was nice while it lasted, but Zach Allen (47.5) is back to receiving a perplexingly low score by PFF. Allen currently has the third most pressures (43) in the NFL, behind only Aiden Hutchinson and Nick Bosa. Allen is having an elite season, yet his weekly grades have been surprisingly low.

Special Teams 

  • ST Tremon Smith: 71.5
  • R Marvin Mims: 60.5
  • K Wil Lutz: 64.5 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 62.6

While his defensive grade was the lowest (39.6), Tremon Smith earned the highest grade on special teams (71.5). While Wil Lutz (60.0) didn’t kick any field goals, he was perfect on all four extra points.

The 5-3 Broncos have an opportunity to earn their biggest win of the season when they travel to Baltimore to face the dangerous Ravens on Sunday.