The Denver Broncos fell short to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, losing 13-6. Despite looking to rebound from their Week 1 loss, Denver arguably took a step backward, particularly on offense. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released game grades for Denver Broncos players for Week 2 that reflect that.
Offense
Offensively, running back Tyler Badie led the Broncos with an overall grade of 70.1. Badie flashed potential despite limited snaps and only a single carry for 16 yards. Fellow running back Javonte Williams finished as the fifth-overall highest offensive player with a 60.0, though he averaged only 1.5 yards per carry. Jaleel McLaughlin came in not far behind with a 58.3.
This week, rookie quarterback Bo Nix couldn’t rely on a rushing touchdown to help bolster his low 46.8. According to PFF, he currently ranks 32nd among quarterbacks, only surpassing Bryce Young, who was recently benched for Andy Dalton. Through two weeks, Nix has yet to throw a touchdown pass.
Josh Reynolds’ 49-yard catch was the team’s biggest yardage gain of the day, helping earn him a 77.6, the second-highest offensive grade on the team. Wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey followed with a 67.4, contributing a 27-yard catch late in the fourth quarter. Courtland Sutton received a 59.7.
Tight end Greg Dulcich ranked near the bottom with a 44.6, primarily due to two dropped passes.
Defense
Defensively, linebacker Alex Singleton has been a consistent performer. He led the whole team with a 78.2 grade and added seven solo tackles and four assists.
Fellow linebacker Jonah Elliss came in behind him with a 73.0. Elliss, who stepped in for the injured Baron Browning, was a close second with a 73.0. He had a sack early in the first quarter. Safety Brandon Jones followed with a 70.2, excelling in run defense.
Despite his impressive performance against the Steelers, Zach Allen earned a surprising grade of 58.7. Allen recorded one sack, two quarterback hits, two solo tackles, and two assists in the game. Through two weeks of the season, he has already generated 13 pressures, tying him for fourth-most in the league.
Zach Allen among interior D-linemen in Week 2:
🔵 9 pressures (1st)
🟠 1.0 sack (T-2nd)
🔵 26.9% pass rush win rate (2nd) pic.twitter.com/Wd1yGd6P2B— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) September 17, 2024
In a rarity, Pat Surtain II found himself at the bottom with a 46.0, being downgraded primarily for his coverage of Steleers wide receiver George Pickens.
Special Teams
On special teams, fullback Michael Burton earned the highest grade with an 81.4. Kicker Will Lutz scored the team’s only points and received a 60.0, while punter Riley Dixon earned a 60.3. Marvin Mims Jr.’s punt returns garnered him a 60.5.
The Denver Broncos will look to turn their season around in their toughest matchup yet against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.