Monday night was an all-timer in Broncos history. After heading into halftime down 16-0, Denver came storming back with 16 unanswered points before putting the game away in dramatic fashion with a pick-six, a rushing touchdown and a game-winning interception.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released its Week 3 player grades, offering a closer look at Denver’s best and worst individual performances from the loss.

Offense

Best

  • TE Nate Adkins: 78.3
  • OT Garett Bolles: 72.9
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 72.5
  • WR Pat Bryant: 71.4
  • WR Troy Franklin: 69.4

None of Denver’s receivers put up eye-popping numbers, but nearly all of them came through with a pivotal play that helped secure the win. Adkins hauled in a touchdown, while Bryant and Waddle (62.9) each converted a two-point attempt. Franklin came up with a crucial catch on a 2nd-and-20, and Sutton converted a 3rd-and-9 that set up the Broncos’ first touchdown of the game.

 

Worst

  • QB Bo Nix: 42.5
  • TE Evan Engram: 45.0
  • RB J.K. Dobbins: 47.5
  • G Ben Powers: 48.2
  • TE Adam Trautman: 53.7
It was a tale of two halves for Nix. He completed just 50% of his passes for 186 yards, adding two passing touchdowns and a rushing score that ultimately clinched the win. But his performance wasn’t defined by the numbers – it was defined by the comeback and his ability to come through when it mattered most.

Defense

Best

  • DB Talanoa Hufanga: 90.3
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 80.8
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 78.1
  • DB Brandon Jones: 74.2
  • ILB Alex Singleton: 70.8
The night belonged to Hufanga, who came up with two interceptions, including a pick-six. It was a particularly notable performance for Hufanga, who dropped multiple potential interceptions last season and had two more slip through his hands against the Rams. His pick-six off Stafford also came with an unfortunate milestone for the Rams quarterback, as it pushed Stafford past Brett Favre for the most pick-sixes thrown in NFL history.

Worst

  • CB Pat Surtain II: 41.0
  • DB Devon Key: 46.4
  • CB Riley Moss: 46.4
  • OLB Que Robinson: 46.6
  • DL D.J. Jones: 47.4

One of the most anticipated storylines heading into the game was the matchup between Davante Adams and Surtain. Unfortunately, Adams won the battle (though Surtain won the war!), finishing with five receptions for 77 yards on passes thrown his way. It was a rough start for Surtain, who allowed four catches for 71 yards in the first half, but he bounced back after halftime, giving up just one reception for six yards.

 

Special Teams

  • ST Dondrea Tillman: 82.3
  • KR Kolbe Katsis: 59.1
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 48.7
  • P Jeremy Crawshaw: 62.3
  • K Wil Lutz: 47.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)

The undrafted Katsis made an immediate impact in his NFL debut Monday night. His biggest play was a 28-yard punt return that set up the Broncos’ first touchdown of the night.

The Broncos will face another tough matchup next week when they travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 2:25 p.m. MST.