Broncos Surpass Expectations with 9-2 Record Amid Injury Challenges
The Denver Broncos emerged from their bye week riding high after a triumphant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, a win that couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. As injuries have begun to pile up, this break offers a crucial chance for recovery. With their Week 12 bye behind them, the Broncos are hopeful about the returns of tight end Nate Adkins, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and linebacker Alex Singleton.
While the roster is bolstered by the potential return of key players, the situation remains complicated. Left guard Ben Powers, offensive lineman Matt Peart, linebacker Drew Sanders, and tight end Lucas Krull are all eligible to come off injured reserve. However, the likelihood of activating these players in the immediate future appears slim.
AFC Landscape and Upcoming Challenge
Currently, Denver holds an impressive 9-2 record, placing them just behind the New England Patriots in the AFC standings, who have yet to take their bye. The Broncos are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, with an opportunity to complete a sweep of the NFC East.
With no game played in the past week, it’s an ideal time to assess the Broncos’ performance over the first 12 weeks of the season. Out of the 53-man roster, only 24 players have logged enough snaps—at least 280 in total over the last three weeks—to qualify for grades. This limited pool reflects the significant impact of injuries on the team.
Player Grades Reflecting Performance
Here’s a closer look at how the players have fared this season, ranked from highest to lowest:
Talanoa Hufanga | S | Grade: 78.9
Hufanga has been a standout for the Broncos, demonstrating versatility and tenacity throughout the season. Despite his impressive play, he has had a few missed opportunities with dropped interceptions that could have further elevated his impact.
Garett Bolles | LT | Grade: 76.8
Bolles has been exceptional this season, establishing himself as one of the top left tackles in the NFL. However, his performance against the Chiefs was uncharacteristically rough, raising concerns about whether it will affect his All-Pro aspirations.
Zach Allen | DL | Grade: 71.8
Since joining the Broncos, Allen has consistently improved, showing prowess as both a pass rusher and a run defender. His contributions have been vital for a defense that has relied on his ability to disrupt opposing plays.
Justin Strnad | LB | Grade: 70.4
Strnad has demonstrated notable progress over the last two years, evolving from a key special teams player into a legitimate starting linebacker. His improvement is evident, particularly when compared to his earlier performances.
Nik Bonitto | OLB | Grade: 69.3
Bonitto faces ongoing challenges against the run, but he compensates with his impressive abilities as a pass rusher. His impact on the game is clear, even when it doesn’t always show up in the box score.
Ja’Quan McMillian | CB | Grade: 68.7
McMillian’s performance has been solid, showcasing his potential in a secondary that has faced its share of challenges. His growth this season highlights his importance to the team’s defensive strategy.
As the Broncos prepare for their next challenge, they must navigate the dual pressures of injuries and maintaining their winning momentum. The upcoming game against the Commanders will be a crucial test for a team that has, against all odds, managed to thrive in a tumultuous season.
