The Denver Broncos dominated the New Orleans Saints in a convincing 33-10 victory on Thursday night. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released their grades for Week 7, reflecting the one-sided game.
Offense
Best Offensive Players
- OT Garett Bolles: 83.1
- OG Ben Powers: 79.5
- FB Nate Adkins: 78.7
- OT Mike McGlinchey: 75.8
- WR Devaughn Vele: 73.4
Worst Offensive Players
- WR Courtland Sutton (44.7)
- RB Audric Estime (55.9)
- WR Marvin Mims (57.2)
- TE Adam Trautman (58.4)
- C Alex Forsyth (58.7)
Garett Boles on Thursday Night Football
🔸 90.6 pass blocking grade
🔸 33 pass blocking snaps
🔸 0 pressures allowed pic.twitter.com/12fjpwICtE— PFF (@PFF) October 18, 2024
Javonte Williams (71.8) arguably had one of the best games of his career. Williams rushed for 88 yards and scored two touchdowns, contributing significantly to Denver’s dominant rushing performance. The Broncos amassed 225 total rushing yards, their highest output since 2013. Averaging 6.4 yards per carry, it’s no surprise that their offensive line once again received top grades from PFF.
Bo Nix’s (59.1) middling grade is a bit puzzling, especially given his rushing grade (55.6). Nix rushed for 75 yards on ten carries, averaging 7.5 (YPC). While his passing game surely has room for improvement, there’s no doubt that Nix has been exceptional with his feet, particularly in avoiding sacks.
In Courtland Sutton’s (44.7) defense, getting a high grade is hard when you aren’t targeted even once. Though he recorded a season-high in rushing yards and averaged 5.8 YPC, Audric Estime (55.9) was heavily dinged by his fumble. The undrafted rookie has shown immense potential, but has struggled with holding onto the ball since the preseason.
Defense
Best Defensive Players
- LB Cody Barton: 93.2
- CB Damarri Mathis: 89.4
- LB Justin Strnad: 85.6
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 78.4
- OLB Nik Bonitto: 77.6
Worst Defensive Players
- DB Keidron Smith: 29.4
- DB Devon Key: 46.9
- DB P.J. Locke: 52.8
- OLB Baron Browning: 53.2
- OLB Jonathon Cooper: 59.8
CODY BARTON PICK SIX!
📺: #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/8cvp88LPte
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 18, 2024
Cody Barton (93.2) stole the show Thursday night. Though he dropped an interception, Barton finished with an impressive eight total tackles, a pass defended, a forced interception, a forced fumble, a sack, and a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown. In Alex Singleton’s absence, Barton has shined.
Nik Bonitto (77.6) extended his sack streak to a fifth game. Justin Strnad’s (85.6) grade was earned with a sack of his own and eight total tackles.
After weeks of being fleeced, Zach Allen (72.2) finally earned some recognition from the publication. Allen added three more pressures to his season total against the Saints.
Unfortunately for P.J. Locke (52.8), this was his third week in a row earning a low grade. His tackling (81.8) was rewarded, but PFF graded him low on his coverage (50.8).
Special Teams
- ST Adam Trautman: 90.2
- R Marvin Mims: 64.5
- K Wil Lutz: 72.7 (FG) 48.3 (KO)
- P Riley Dixon: 64.3
I’m not sure what Wil Lutz (72.7) could have done to improve his kicking score, given he was perfect on the night, including a 52-yarder.