Javonte WilliamsAAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
Had you asked Denver Broncos fans how they would feel about being 4-3 seven games into the season, the answers would have ranged somewhere between “elated” and “come on, man.”
But here the Broncos sit after dismantling an admittedly overmatched, injury-ravaged New Orleans Saints team 33-10 in head coach Sean Payton’s return to the Big Easy Thursday night.
It’s been an odd ride. Denver has won mostly with defense—the Broncos entered Week 7 fourth in total defense, fourth in scoring defense and second in sacks. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been—a rookie quarterback. He’s made some plays, but also some mistakes—including five interceptions.
One thing that hasn’t been working is running back Javonte Williams and the ground game. Entering Thursday’s contest, Williams was averaging 3.6 yards per carry and the Broncos were 23rd in rushing at 107.3 yards per game.
Against the Saints, that changed—and we got a glimpse of what the Broncos could be.
Williams had far and away his best game of the season, sailing past 100 total yards and finding the end zone twice. The entire team ran roughshod over New Orleans, Nix included—all told Denver ran for 226 yards and gained a gaudy 6.6 yards per carry.
When Denver can grind away on the ground like that, the Broncos can control the tempo of the game. Play-action opens up for Nix. The pressure on Denver’s first-year signal-caller is reduced.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton spent this game on a milk carton (which was admittedly odd), and Denver still had arguably its best all-around performance of the season.
The Broncos are going to need their No. 1 receiver. Nix will still have to make plays. But if you combine this Denver ground game with the team’s stout defense…
The Broncos could be a tough out.
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