In their first game at Mile High Stadium, the Denver Broncos defeated the Houston Texans in a frustrating thriller that came down to the wire. So far, this season hasn't gone the way the Broncos expected, but there are some positives they can take away from their 1-1 record.
Sunday vs. the Texans. Quarterback Russell Wilson and the Broncos' offense did not start well but found their rhythm as the game continued.
The Denver Broncos were the favorite to win this game, but that victory did not come easy. Credit to Texans Head Coach Lovie Smith's defense, who held Denver's offense to 350 yards of total offense.
Wilson completed less than half his passes with 14/31 for 219 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In the fourth quarter, Denver found success as Courtland Sutton and Eric Saubert rose to the occasion to save the day. Sutton made a substantial 35-yard play down the stretch to set up TE Saubert for a 22- yard pass in the endzone to put the Broncos up 13-9.
While kicker Brandon McManus continues to be the Broncos sole provider for points. Successful kicking 3/3 field goals, including a 50-yarder to secure the victory 16-9. Yes, a win is a win, but the Broncos have some work to do coaching-wise, offensively, and with penalties.
Coaching
In the third quarter, after Russell Wilson successfully lead the Broncos offense down the field in Texans territory. Denver failed to secure the first down setting up a 54-yard field goal, but another penalty for delay of game forced them to punt the ball.
Analysts around the league questioned head coach Nathaniel Hackett's decision to punt the ball instead of attempting a 59-yard field goal. At the time, Denver was down 9-6. Then, last week vs. the Seahawks, Hackett let McManus try a 64-yard field goal in Seattle but wouldn't let him attempt a 59-yarder in Denver.
It doesn't make sense, but 49er's Head Coach Kyle Shanahan called Hackett a "very good offensive play caller" as he believes the Broncos will be okay despite their rough start.
Offense
If the Broncos have any chance at defeating San Francisco, the offense must get off to a good start. Sunday vs. the Texans, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy went down with an apparent rib injury and did not return. A setback for this Broncos offense and third-year Jeudy, who was primed to have a breakout season.
He did not practice Wednesday and is considered day to day ahead of the week three match-up against the San Francisco 49ers. Regardless Russell Wilson has more than enough offensive weapons to get the job done. Bronco fans are eager to see Russ cook. Denver is 0-6 in the red zone so far this season. Inefficiency in the red area and penalties have killed the Broncos offensive thunder.
Wilson on the season-high penalty rate
"We have to quit hurting ourselves," quarterback Russell Wilson said after the game. "We have to quit getting penalties as players. That's on us. That's discipline. That's making sure that we're doing the little things right. Those things can be fixed — that's the good thing. Those things can be fixed."
Defense
Defensively the Broncos have lived up to their reputation despite missing key players like Justin Simmons, Josey Jewell, and now Patrick Surtain II, who left Sunday's game vs. the Texans with a shoulder injury but is considered to be day to day. However, the Broncos defense stood sound in his absence in the second half. Denver's defense limited Houston to only three points down the stretch.
Dre'Mont Jones on the defense
"We have a lot of faith in No. 3," said Denver defensive Dre'Mont Jones, who had a pair of sacks. "That's why he makes $250 million."
Defense wins games, but the 49ers are arguably the most formidable team Denver has faced this season. To beat playoff contenders like San Francisco, they must find a way to score touchdowns in the red zone and limit their penalties.