Broncos Grades

OFFENSE

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turnovers and the lone touchdown coming in garbage time. The Broncos’ offense in general and their quarterback ( Drew Lock) in particular continued their regression. Lock’s second interception, at the goal line late in the first half, was the biggest blow — teams like the Broncos can’t afford to pass up on three free points. On the play before the interception, tight end Noah Fant committed a needless holding penalty to prevent a Lock touchdown rush ( a 13- 10 Broncos lead). In the third quarter, the Broncos ran four plays and gained one yard. Three feet of offense in one quarter! Interesting moving forward was the lack of touches for Phillip Lindsay, who had four carries for two yards and no catches.

DEFENSE

FWe

figured this was going to be a Josh Jacobs Game because of the Broncos’ decimated defensive line. Got that one right. Jacobs rushed 21 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns and old friend Devontae Booker had his fun, rushing 16 times for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Derek Carr did his usual thing against the Broncos — 16- of- 25 for 154 yards and no mistakes. The pass rush was as non- existent as the run defense. And the penalties didn’t help, including two on outside linebacker Malik Reed and one on defensive end DeMarcus Walker. It took until the second half for Carr to find tight end Darren Waller ( 24 yards). The defense’s margin for error is razor thin these days and any mistake — big or small — will be costly.