The Denver Broncos emphatically rebounded from their Week 10 defeat, dismantling the Atlanta Falcons 38-6 in a dominant performance led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Pro Football Focus (PFF) Week 11 grades showcased the team’s impressive showing on both sides of the ball.
Offense
Best Offensive Players
- G Quinn Meinerz: 92.1
- QB Bo Nix: 83.3
- OT Mike McGlinchey: 77.4
- WR Devaughn Vele: 75.5
- RB Javonte Williams: 73.8
Worst Offensive Players
- G Ben Powers: 51.1
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 54.6
- C Luke Wattenberg: 59.0
- TE Adam Trautman: 59.0
- TE Lucas Krull: 59.3
Remember when PFF graded the Bo Nix (83.3) draft pick as “below average” back in April? Not only was Nix’s Week 11 performance record-breaking, but his odds of being Offensive Rookie of the Year jumped to +400. He went 28-for-33, throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns, without a single turnover. His performance earned him the title of AFC Offensive Player of the Week. It’s safe to say that Nix has not only ended the Broncos’ quarterback carousel, but he’s also put them right back in the playoff hunt.
Bo Nix was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Bo became the first rookie in NFL history to have 4 TDs, 300 passing yards, 80% completion and no INTs. pic.twitter.com/F9kKHaLYAb
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) November 20, 2024
Marvin Mims (73.2) was a revelation in Week 11. After primarily being used as a return specialist, Sean Payton finally unleashed the young receiver’s full potential. Mims hauled in two catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. “We’re finding new ways to get ‘Mimsy’ involved, and he’s making some big plays,” Payton said. With Payton’s creative offensive mind, Broncos fans can expect to see much more of Mims in the future.
While there wasn’t much to criticize offensively, PFF’s low grades highlight a weakness at the tight end position. The entire unit combined for a measly one catch for 12 yards.
Defense
Best Defensive Players
- OLB Nik Bonitto: 90.0
- DL John Franklin-Myers: 77.4
- DB Devon Key: 75.3
- CB Pat Surtain II: 70.1
- DL Zach Allen: 65.6
Worst Defensive Players
- DL Jordan Jackson: 29.5
- LB Levelle Bailey: 41.9
- DL Malcolm Roach: 45.7
- OLB Jonathon Cooper: 46.3
- CB Riley Moss: 48.2
Nik Bonitto (90.0) is on an absolute tear. The relentless pass rusher added two more sacks to his season total, bringing his career-high tally to nine with six games still to play. Bonitto is currently the second-leading sack leader in the entire NFL and shows no signs of slowing down.
An underreported story from Week 11 was that Pat Surtain II (70.1) didn’t allow a single reception. The star cornerback continues to build his case for Defensive Player of the Year.
An overlooked part of yesterday's game was how good Pat Surtain II was:
According to NGS, he was primarily lined up against Drake London (13 routes, 44.8%) and Darnell Mooney (8 routes, 27.6%). This was the second game this season that Surtain did not allow a reception, and his…
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) November 18, 2024
Riley Moss’s (48.2) low grade from PFF is perplexing, particularly his poor tackling grade (33.0). Despite being tied for the team lead the team in total tackles, PFF claims he missed three. Regardless of grade, Moss has consistently proven himself to be a reliable No. 2 cornerback alongside Pat Surtain.
Special Teams
Special Teams
- ST Devon Key: 86.2
- R Marvin Mims: 61.3
- P Riley Dixon: 55.9
- K Wil Lutz: 68.0 (FG) 55.2 (KO)
While special teams weren’t a major factor in this week’s game, it’s worth noting that the Broncos made some adjustments with Alex Forsyth (60.4).
Looked like the #Broncos slid Matt Peart down one spot on the FG unit and had Alex Forsyth outside one spot. So those two trade places on the left side this week after the blocked FG last week.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) November 17, 2024
With a 6-5 record, Denver is currently sitting pretty with a 69% chance of making the playoffs. A win against the Raiders would boost their chances to 77%. The fate of the season rests squarely in their hands. With Bo Nix leading the charge and the defense playing lights out, the future looks bright for the Broncos.