The Denver Broncos secured a gritty victory against the Houston Texans on March 15, 2024, improving their record to 7-2. The game showcased the team’s defensive strengths while exposing lingering issues within their offensive strategy. Despite a few setbacks, standout performances from key players highlighted the Broncos’ resilience in a challenging matchup.
Defensive Stars Shine Bright
Talanoa Hufanga proved to be an invaluable asset for the Broncos, showcasing his prowess after joining the team as a free-agent acquisition. In the contest against Houston, Hufanga delivered an impressive performance with nine tackles, two pressures, and two passes deflected. Notably, he allowed just four yards on four targets, demonstrating exceptional skill in man-to-man coverage. This season, he has managed 22 targets with only 11 completions for 73 yards, solidifying his essential role in the Broncos’ defense, particularly in the absence of star cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Another key figure in the defensive lineup was Ja’Quan McMillian, who has consistently earned his place as the nickel back in Vance Joseph‘s defensive scheme. McMillian held his ground against the Texans, permitting only three catches for 13 yards on seven targets. His performance has been instrumental in maintaining defensive integrity amid injuries, with quarterbacks achieving a mere 70.5 rating when targeting his assignments this season.
Adding to the defensive accolades, Zach Allen continued to assert his dominance on the field. With five tackles, a sack, and two passes deflected against Houston, Allen remains a formidable force. He currently leads the NFL in quarterback hits with an impressive total of 25, creating a significant gap between himself and the next player in line.
Offensive Struggles Persist
Despite the defensive success, the Broncos’ offense faced challenges that hindered their effectiveness. Quarterback Bo Nix struggled with play-calling, particularly with two significant second-down plays that resulted in losses. A second-quarter screen pass to Tyler Badie lost six yards, and a third-quarter end-around to Troy Franklin also lost six yards. Nix’s performance on second downs, where he has thrown nearly a third of his passes this season, raises concerns due to his 63.4 quarterback rating in those situations.
Another aspect of the offense that drew attention was the performance of Evan Engram. Despite Nix’s opportunities to connect with him, Engram finished the game without a catch on three targets. This lack of chemistry has been disappointing, especially considering the Broncos invested $16.5 million guaranteed in Engram during the offseason. Currently, he has recorded 26 catches for 215 yards and one touchdown over eight games, a return that does not meet expectations.
Adding to the team’s concerns, special teams issues emerged during the game, prompting head coach Sean Payton to express frustration with player readiness. Reports indicated that some players were late to the field for kickoffs, leading to potential game-changing situations. Payton clarified that his frustration was directed at the personnel involved rather than special teams coach Darren Rizzi.
The connection between Nix and wide receiver Courtland Sutton also showed signs of inconsistency. While Sutton managed a 30-yard touchdown reception, he and Nix failed to connect on five other targets, leading to visible frustration during the game.
As the Broncos prepare for their upcoming match, the focus will be on addressing these offensive shortcomings while continuing to capitalize on their defensive strengths. The blend of robust defense and a need for offensive improvement will be critical as the team aims to maintain its winning momentum.
