Following the Denver Broncos’ 10-9 victory over the New York Jets in Week 4, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released their player grades.
Offense
Highest Grades
- G Ben Powers: 83.3
- OT Garett Bolles: 80.8
- G Quinn Meinerz: 79.3
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 72.3
- WR Courtland Sutton: 67.7
Lowest Grades
- RB Tyler Badie (37.5)
- OT Matt Peart (42.6)
- TE Greg Dulcich (43.3)
- QB Bo Nix (48.9)
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey (49.2)
The offensive line had a standout week, with three of the top grades going members of that unit. The front-line trio of Ben Powers (83.3), Garett Bolles (80.8), and Quinn Meinerz (79.3) paved the way for Denver’s most effective rushing attack of the season.
Though he threw his first NFL touchdown pass and avoided any turnovers, Bo Nix received one of the lowest offensive grades from PFF. Nix’s passing yardage was limited to just 60 yards, and he only rushed for three yards. Despite his low grade, Nix managed to do just enough to lead the Broncos to their upset victory.
After a rough first three weeks, the running backs came alive in Week 4. Javonte Williams (67.4) and Jaleel McLaughlin (72.3), who had averaged 2.2 yards per carry (YPC) through the first three weeks, improved to 4.8 and 5.1 YPC against the Jets, respectively. Tyler Badie (37.5), who left the game in the first quarter with a back injury, received the lowest grade, though he only appeared in five snaps.
Denver’s receiving corps was largely invisible, with the exception of Courtland Sutton (67.7). Amazingly, Sutton accounted for all of Bo Nix’s 60 passing yards.
Defense
Highest Grades
- LB Kristian Welch: 86.1
- DL Malcolm Roach: 86.1
- DL John Franklin-Myers: 79.8
- CB Levi Wallace: 78.8
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 76.8
Lowest Grades
- OLB Nik Bonitto: 41.0
- DB PJ Locke: 54.3
- ILB Cody Barton: 57.7
- OLB Dondrea Tillman: 58.2
- DL Jordan Jackson: 58.6
Taking the top spot was Kristian Welch (86.1), though he only played three snaps. However, his tackle keeping Jets running back Breece Hall out of the end zone at the one-yard line proved to be the difference-maker in the outcome.
Denver’s defense sacked Aaron Rodgers five times. Justin Strnad (72.1) got the party started on the opening play. Malcolm Roach (86.1) and Jonah Elliss (71.0) combined for a crucial sack near the end of the fourth quarter that nearly resulted in a defensive touchdown. Despite each recording a sack, PJ Locke (54.3) and Nik Bonitto (41.0) finished near the bottom of the defensive grades.
Pat Surtain II (76.5) earned his best grade of the season by limiting Garrett Wilson to just 22 yards on two catches.
It was a rough day for Wilson, as Brandon Jones (76.1) also caused him to fumble on the first drive, which Riley Moss (74.1) recovered.
It’s become a recurring, albeit puzzling, trend for Zach Allen (42.2) to find himself in the bottom half of the grades. Through four weeks, Allen has the league’s second-most QB pressures (23).
Special Teams
- R Marvin Mims: 61.0
- K Wil Lutz: 43.9 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
- P Riley Dixon: 64.4
Wil Lutz (43.9) was heavily penalized for his missed 50-yard field goal that almost cost the Broncos the win.