The Denver Broncos clipped the wings of the Atlanta Falcons to improve to 6-5 on the season. Denver controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish, routing Atlanta 38-6.
Denver Broncos blowout the Atlanta Falcons
The USPS might be closed on Sundays, but Bo Nix delivered. Another rookie of the week performance could be on the way for Denver’s rookie QB, who had another strong performance in Sunday’s blowout win.
Biggest turning point for the Denver Broncos – Bo Nix kicks down the door, plans on staying for a while
The Denver Broncos franchise quarterback is here, Broncos Country.
Bo Nix took control of the Broncos offense in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons defense. Calm, cool, and collected, Nix delivered the ball with efficiency to eight different receivers in the first half alone, with rookie Devaughn Vele leading the way at the half with three catches for 55 yards.
He delivered his most impressive throw of the season to Vele in a two-minute drill that would ultimately lead to Denver scoring right before halftime to extend their lead to 21-6.
WHAT A RIP pic.twitter.com/ITrdahicvj
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) November 17, 2024
Nix was red hot, going 17-of-19 passing for 192 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons’ secondary, also building on Denver’s third-down improvement over the course of the last two weeks. In the first half, the Broncos offense was 5-of-6 on third down.
Last week, the rest of the NFL finally paid attention to Nix after he played well enough against the Kansas City Chiefs to win Rookie of the Week — this week, Nix knocked down the door and silenced a lot of the early season narratives.
He finished the game 28-of-33 passing for 307 yards and four touchdowns and could have another Rookie of the Week award incoming.
Bo Nix is here. pic.twitter.com/LQ9hQQceVx
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) November 17, 2024
Defining numbers from Broncos/Falcons – Third down efficiency continues, Nik Bonitto nearing double-digit sacks
Denver’s offense and defense both brought it on third down in Sunday’s win. Denver’s offense finished the game 6-of-11 on third down, building off of last Sunday’s impressive third down performance.
The Broncos defense held Kirk Cousins and the Falcons offense to 4-of-13 on third down.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto notched his ninth sack of the season on Sunday, accumulating two sacks in the fourth quarter, getting after Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. on third down. He’s one sack away from being the first Broncos player since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb to achieve double-digit sacks.
What did we learn? – Nix joins elite company
Nix’s rookie of the year stock is rising after Sunday. Not only did he throw four touchdowns, he made NFL history in the same breath as Peyton Manning.
He joined Manning as the only two rookies in NFL history with 2+ touchdown passes and 200+ passing yards in four consecutive home games.
Player who had an underrated impact – Marvin Mims
The Broncos have finally unlocked Marvin Mims. Not only is he lining up at receiver, but he’s recently seen an uptick in reps in the backfield as a receiving back, and he’s had a big impact in the return game.
In Sunday’s win, Mims caught two passes for 49 yards, with one receiving touchdown and had a 37-yard punt return in the second half that led to a scoring drive by Denver’s offense. It very much appears that Mims might be working into the ‘Joker’ role that Sean Payton has been trying to find in the Mile High City.