Broncos report card: Denver defense forces five turnovers (with a Jonathan Taylor assist), powers critical win vs. Colts

OFFENSE — D

The Broncos’ offensive plan was off-kilter from the start. Bo Nix didn’t just throw three interceptions. He threw a trio of stinkers. Almost no quarterback goes an entire season without a true dud, let alone a rookie, so there’s no reason to fully panic for the Broncos. But the outing combined with Denver’s complete lack of a run game against a leaky Indianapolis run defense is cause enough for concern. Nix did throw a pair of touchdowns to tight ends — a rarity in its own right — and another to Courtland Sutton, but this was far from the unit’s best work of the season.

DEFENSE — B+

Vance Joseph’s defense looked rusty for two possessions. Then the group dominated. Sure, they got a massive assist from Jonathan Taylor when he dropped the ball on the way in for what would have been a 41-yard touchdown. But they also played lights-out after giving up 10 points on Indianapolis’ first two drives. The Broncos forced four other turnovers, including a 50-yard Nik Bonitto fumble return for a touchdown that swung the game permanently and fully into Denver’s hands. Kris Abrams-Draine looks like another 2024 draft find at corner and Denver’s safeties continue to play high-quality ball.

SPECIAL TEAMS — B+

Marvin Mims Jr. is on a heater. His 61-yard punt return set up Denver’s go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter. He finished the day with three punt returns for 96 yards overall and quickly reminded why he’s one of the most dangerous return men in the NFL. Wil Lutz continued his standout season with another clean night. On the other hand, Denver’s punt coverage was uncharacteristically bad. They gave up a 36-yard return and a pair of Riley Dixon touchbacks (he entered with just three on the season). Denver will need clean operations down the stretch.

COACHING — C-

Payton at halftime told the CBS broadcast that his team needed to run the ball better and couldn’t afford to get one-dimensional. Then Denver threw the ball the first three plays of the second half, the third of which was the second of three Nix interceptions. Denver had nothing going with Jaleel McLaughlin and Javonte Williams but had Audric Estime in the game for all of one snap until late in the proceedings. So, no, it wasn’t pretty. Not at all. But from a broader perspective, Payton has built a team that believes it can win ugly, pretty or anywhere in between. That counts for a whole lot.

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