The Denver Broncos can win ugly.

We’ve seen that many times now this season.

The good news is, they can win even when Bo Nix struggles, like he did on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos can win ugly

Denver defeated the Houston Texans 18-15 on Sunday, their fifth ugly victory of the year.

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And the ugly win this week looks even worse after that beautiful blowout of the Dallas Cowboys. There was never a doubt Denver would win that 44-24 blowout that was the Broncos first complete win of the year.

The Broncos offense was awful early on against the Texans, just like it has been all year.

In fact, Denver’s point differential through the first three quarters of the season is a -1. Their point differential in the fourth quarter? An NFL-leading +60.

There have been many reasons why the offense has struggled to start games. So many, it’s tough to decide which is most at fault.

Sean Payton’s play calling has been predictable and risk averse. The offense has had a tough time getting into a rhythm at times, which can be hampered by the team’s constant switching in and out of position groupings. And Bo Nix’s struggles have slowed the production at times, too.

Bo Nix’s struggles have slowed the offense, until the 4th quarter

That was the case against the Texans. After starting the game with a blocked field goal and then a 3-and-out, Nix threw an interception on a deep ball that was way off. It was not only short of Courtland Sutton, but a few yards inside of where he was running, too.

Finally, trailing 6-0, Nix got it going and connected with Sutton on a beautifully thrown 30-yard touchdown. Denver took the lead, but it was short-lived.

Denver’s defense continued to play great ball. They bent and didn’t break, holding the Texans out of the end zone all game long. It was the fourth time the unit has done that this season alone.

But Houston kept hitting field goals and led 15-7 near the end of the third quarter.

Then, the fourth-quarter lights came on and Nix completed four straight passes, including the touchdown to R.J. Harvey and the 2-point conversion to Troy Franklin.

Beyond the big time throws, though, Nix got it done with his legs, too.

Facing a 2nd and 7 from the Denver 39, he dropped back, saw an open lane and took off for 25 yards. That run got the Broncos into field goal range, and he had another run that got them closer.

Nix’s struggles for most of the day hurt the offense. Yes.

But he was able to put the offense on his shoulders and carry them to a victory. Again.

In the win over the Texans, Nix went 10-17 (58.8%) for 76 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter compared to 8-20 (40.0%) for 97 yards and 1 TD in the first three quarters. All told, his 68.9 passer rating was his second-worst of the season behind only that Week 1 win over the Titans (60.0 rating).

He’s been absolutely nails in the fourth quarter this year. Nix has thrown for 639 yards, 7 touchdowns and 1 interception in the fourth quarter this season, a 105.3 passer rating. He also ran two touchdowns in against the Giants in that deciding quarter. He’s played a lot like a former Broncos quarterback, and Nix’s stats through 26 games are better than John Elway’s were.

Much like last year, these Denver Broncos can win ugly because of a daunting defense that disallows scoring. They’re currently fourth in points allowed (18.4), sixth in passing defense, and No. 1 in both 3rd down and red zone percentages.

Winning ugly is important because NFL teams fight no matter their record, and ultimately getting that win in the column matters most.

In two days, Denver (7-2) faces the Raiders (2-6) with hopes of winning their seventh straight game. Hopefully Thursday night’s game won’t be another ugly one for the Broncos.