ENGLEWOOD, Colo. In Denver’s dominant 38-6 victory over the Falcons on Sunday, the Broncos leaned on a familiar formula for success.
Earlier this season, Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized two key areas for improvement: winning the turnover battle and controlling the ground game. On Sunday, the Broncos excelled in both, forcing a turnover in the second half and holding the Falcons to just 50 rushing yards a season low.
“We felt there were a few key factors in winning this game,” Payton said after the win. “Our defense did a great job, especially against a team that runs the ball well. They were averaging 140 rushing yards per game, so limiting them was crucial. And of course, the takeaways were important.”
Denver’s defense stifled the Falcons’ star running back, Bijan Robinson, who had been on a hot streak with five consecutive games of 100 or more scrimmage yards. Robinson was held to just 35 yards on 12 carries, averaging only 2.9 yards per attempt.
But perhaps the most significant factor was winning the turnover battle. Inside linebacker Cody Barton snagged his second interception of the season, picking off a Kirk Cousins pass in the third quarter. While the turnover gave the offense a boost, Barton pointed out its mental impact, sparking energy and excitement for the entire team.
“When we force a turnover, our win percentage goes way up,” Barton said Monday. “Not only that, the energy it brings it lifts the whole team. We all celebrate together in the end zone, and it’s a big momentum shift.”
The Broncos are now 6-1 this season when forcing a turnover and have won six straight games when earning a takeaway.
For Barton, the key to the team’s success is playing complementary football making stops on defense and giving the offense a chance to capitalize.
“It feels good when we get a stop,” Barton added. “We know the offense will take it from there and make something happen. That’s complementary football; that’s playing as a team.”
QB BO NIX CONTINUES TO MAKE STRIDES
Quarterback Bo Nix took another major step forward in Week 11, delivering a standout performance in Sunday’s victory. The rookie finished the game 28-of-33 for 307 yards, four touchdowns, and a 145.0 passer rating, further showcasing his potential and boosting the confidence of his teammates.
“I think it’s powerful to have a quarterback that the team can rely on,” Head Coach Sean Payton said Monday. “I’ve seen it firsthand with another quarterback in Drew Brees. When you have that kind of leader, you always feel like you’re in the game. Even if you’re behind, you believe you can come back. The guy who touches the ball every play can really set the tone mentally and on the field for how the team performs.”
“We’re midway through the season, and he’s playing well,” Payton continued. “The film backs it up, but there are still things we need to work on. I wanted to scream at him a few times on film, but that’s part of the process. I love the way he prepares, his work ethic, and his enthusiasm. It’s contagious, and I think he’s a winner.”
TE NATE ADKINS EMBRACES LARGER ROLE IN DENVER
For the second time this season, tight end Nate Adkins helped put Denver on the scoreboard first.
On the Broncos’ opening drive in Week 11, Adkins found himself wide open, catching a 12-yard pass from quarterback Bo Nix and strolling into the end zone untouched to give Denver an early lead over the Falcons.
“It was awesome,” Adkins said of his touchdown. “It was a play we’d been practicing for a while. I just tried to get lost in the mess, let Bo do his thing rolling out, and luckily he found me. It was wide open, no hits, just walked right into the end zone. It was awesome.”
After playing in 10 games last season with just one start, Adkins has seen his role grow significantly in 2024, both on offense and special teams. The South Carolina product has now played 37 percent of Denver’s offensive snaps and 61 percent of special teams plays, starting six of 11 games.
Adkins scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in Week 8 against the Panthers, and he’s determined to keep making an impact as the season progresses.
“It’s all about not forcing anything,” Adkins explained. “When the play is called, just go out there and do your best. When the ball comes your way, catch it and do what you can with it. That’s all I’ve done. Bo’s put the ball right on the money, and the designs have been perfect.”
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