The Denver Broncos have put their fans through the wringer. After last week’s collapse against the Colts, they once again found a way to lose in heartbreaking fashion. Costly overthrows and inexcusable penalties ultimately tipped the game in the Chargers’ favor. Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its Week 2 player grades, highlighting the best and worst individual performances.
Offense
Best Players
- WR Courtland Sutton: 77.5
- LT Garett Bolles: 75.2
- C Luke Wattenberg: 68.9
- LT Alex Palczewski: 62.5
- RB RJ Harvey: 60.8
After a quiet Week 2, Sutton bounced back in a big way with six catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Bo Nix (57.9) overthrew him late in the fourth quarter on a play that could have put Denver in field-goal range. Instead, the Broncos were forced to punt, setting up the Chargers’ game-winning kick.
Worst Players
- TE Adam Trautman: 30.2
- TE/FB Nate Adkins: 40.7
- WR Troy Franklin: 40.9
- TE Lucas Krull: 51.2
- OG Ben Powers: 52.5
Although Nix earned the 10th-highest grade, it’s difficult not to place some blame on him. Cameras caught him saying, “I had so many chances today“ at the end of the game—a sentiment that matched his performance. He missed Marvin Mims (53.3) on two key throws and Sutton on another, mistakes that proved costly. After showing strong chemistry through the first two weeks, he also looked out of sync with Franklin, who hauled in just two of four targets for eight yards.
Defense
Best Players
- LB Justin Strnad: 81.5
- OLB Jonathon Cooper: 78.4
- DL D.J. Jones: 78.1
- DL John Franklin-Myers: 73.1
- CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 72.0
The defense delivered with five sacks and an interception, highlighted by Strnad’s crucial red-zone stop that preserved Denver’s second-half lead. While Talanoa Hufanga (53.6) had a costly penalty and earned one of the lower grades on the unit, he still made his presence felt with several key tackles and pass breakups.
Worst Players
- LB Alex Singleton: 36.3
- OLB Jonah Elliss: 41.4
- DL Jordan Jackson: 43.4
- CB Riley Moss: 47.0
- DL Zach Allen: 48.3
Dre Greenlaw’s return can’t come soon enough, though he’s still at least three weeks away. Tackling has become a glaring issue across the defense. Pat Surtain II (64.7) graded well overall but posted just a 29.5 in tackling. His missed tackle on Quentin Johnson turned into a 22-yard gain that set up a touchdown.
Special Teams
- ST JL Skinner: 76.1
- LS Mitchell Fraboni: 72.8
- P Jeremy Crawshaw: 69.7
- KR Marvin Mims: 69.1
- K Wil Lutz: 65.5 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
Skinner’s fumble recovery early in the second half set Denver up with prime field position, but the drive resulted in only a field goal. Mims provided a spark, averaging 28.5 yards per kick return.
After back-to-back heartbreaking losses, the Broncos get a chance to regroup against the Bengals. Cincinnati is coming off a 48–10 blowout defeat, making this a prime bounce-back opportunity. Denver will host the matchup on Monday night, with kickoff set for 6:15 p.m. MST.