NFLDo you believe in miracles?! Somehow, someway, I correctly picked a reasonably significant upset in favor of the Broncos. In Week 9, in a game the Broncos had no business winning, they won. Indeed, the win is a microcosm of the season for the Broncos. They win games they shouldn’t win and lose games they shouldn’t lose. So, let’s break it down! Here are the top five takeaways from Week 9.
The Broncos Hidden Treasure
In Week 9, I realized something that I’ve been actively avoiding. Noah Fant was an excellent pick for John Elway. I hate to admit Elway did something right, but Fant is turning out to be a great acquisition. Fant’s Week 9 performance was just an extension of how well he’s performed as a whole. In Week 9, Noah had three receptions for 115 yards, which includes a 75-yard catch-and-run from Allen.
Fant can sometimes get lost in the Sutton-Lindsay-Freeman show, but when the Broncos need a big play, Noah always seems to be there. With only 37 targets, I think it time the Broncos utilize the weapon they have in Noah Fant. He’s 6’4”, 249 pounds, and runs a 4.5 40-yard-dash. Travis Kelce is 6’5”, 255 pounds, and runs a 4.65 40-yard-dash, by comparison. So, Fant has the tools to be one of the best. It’s time the Broncos work him into the gameplan more.
Joe Who?
I can speak for much of Denver when I say that there was a massive sigh of relief when Flacco went on IR. No, we did not want him to get hurt, but he was not helping the team in the slightest. Brandon Allen came out and played winning football in Week 9. It was not something we have seen in Denver in a long time, and it was refreshing. Unfortunately, Allen will lose his starting job when Drew Lock is healthy, but let’s take a look at this performance.
In Week 9, Allen completed 12 of 20 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, Brandon did not turn the ball over. Flacco’s most significant issue was turning the ball over. Also, Allen’s mobility was on display. He’s no Lamar Jackson, but Allen showed his ability to maneuver the pocket. With the offensive line being what it is, it’s essential to have that skill. I look forward to seeing what he does next week.
The Continual Improvement of the Front Seven
Even without Bradley Chubb, the Broncos front seven had another impressive outing in Week 9. Von, Wolfe, and the boys had two sacks and four quarterback hits. More importantly, the front seven slowed down the machine that is Nick Chubb. Chubb had 20 carries for 65 yards. For reference, in the four weeks before, Chubb had 165, 87, 122, and 131 yards rushing, respectively. Since being dismantled by Leonard Fournette, the Broncos have no allowed a 100-yard rusher.
The Lindsay Effect
It’s Week 9. The point I’m about to make very clear. I’m not going to beat a dead horse any longer. In their six losses this season, Phillip Lindsay has not come close to 100 yards rushing. In two of the three wins, Lindsay rushed for over 100 yards. As Birdman says, I ain’t gone say it no mo. Feed. Phil. More.
Credit Where Credit is Due
It’s no secret. I am not a fine of the inside linebackers of the Broncos. The Mile High Review called them out in Week 9. I have to eat some crow here. In Week 9, Johnson and Davis balled out. The inside linebackers combined 23 tackles. They were instrumental in helping to stop Nick Chubb. Still, can they continue to play at this level? The Broncos will need to figure that out before the draft.
Next week, the Broncos travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings. Is another win in-store? We will find out. Also, check out the other quality analysis of Sunday’s action in the NFL section with Nuts and Bolts Sports.
