Broncos Player Grades from Convincing Win Over Chargers
This divisional tilt vs. the Los Angeles Chargers was a must-win for the Denver Broncos. Making the postseason at 10-7 was always going to be extremely difficult, and emerging victorious in L.A., 24-7, moves the Broncos to 7-6.
The Broncos can't afford another loss, but this win keeps them alive in both the playoff race and the push for the AFC West crown amid the Kansas City Chiefs' recent slump. This was a solid game by the Broncos' offense, and the defense was stifling.
It was great to see the offense finally come alive after a slow start, partially due to poor receiver play. This was one of the Broncos' better-graded games overall this season, with multiple individual season highs and the highest grade handed out to any player so far this season.
Offensive MVP: Garett Bolles | LT
Grade: 82.9
This was a great game from Bolles, facing a pair of formidable pass rushers. While he wasn't perfect, allowing three pressures, he more than held his own.
It was another game without a penalty. This was also Bolles' best game as a run blocker this season.
Defensive MVP: Ja'Quan McMillian | CB
Grade: 91.7
McMillian's grade is the highest earned by an individual Bronco this season and just the second grade in the 90s, with Patrick Surtain II having a 91.4 in the first game. It took some time, but McMillian has come along extraordinarily well as a blitzer out of the slot. He blitzed seven times against the Chargers, picking up five pressures.
McMillian's play in coverage was good, allowing three catches on six targets and breaking one of them up. He also did exceptionally well with his run fills. If not for a pair of missed tackles, McMillian would've been above 95 with his grade.
Quarterback: Russell Wilson
Grade: 81.7
This was the best game from Wilson on the season. He made good pre-snap reads, didn't panic in the pocket, and took calculated shots down the field. It wasn't all perfect, as some ball placement issues were there, and it took a bad route to escape pressure a few times.
However, his deep shots were good, if not great, throws, only to be let down by his receiver on some of them. When Wilson finally got going, and a particular receiver wasn't leaving yards and points on the field, the Broncos' offense looked legit.
The Positive
P.J. Locke | S | Grade: 85.4
Locke has been outstanding for the Broncos as of late. He should remain the starter for the rest of the season, as he brings more versatility to the defense. He's had success in all phases on defense, and while there are hiccups, he finds a way to make a play to more than make up for it.
Mike McGlinchey | RT | Grade: 80.2
McGlinchey answered the bell after I sounded the alarm as a significant risk for the Broncos offense going against Khalil Mack this week. This week, McGlinchey was the Broncos best offensive lineman in pass protection.
McGlinchey held his own, even as the Chargers repeatedly threw Mack at him. The only thing that kept the right tackle's grade down were some issues as a run blocker.
Courtland Sutton | WR | Grade: 76.9
Sutton is poised to have a career year, even though he is unlikely to break his career-high in receiving yards. He keeps making one splash play after another, even when tightly covered, showing off his strength in contested catch situations. Denver needs another receiver to step up to help take attention away from Sutton.
Alex Singleton | LB | Grade: 64.5
There remain apparent strengths and weaknesses to Singleton's game. He works well against the run and comes down hard and fast as a blitzer.
This led to Singleton being involved in multiple big plays against the Chargers. However, there is a weakness in coverage, which led to some big plays for the Chargers.
The Negative
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Grade: 27.5
Jeudy dropped two deep shots, leaving yards and points on the field, and failed to drag his toes for another gimme touchdown. There needs to be an adjustment to how the Broncos are using him, but it doesn't help with how he wins as a receiver and how Wilson wins.
This quarterback-receiver combo works like oil and water. They can make those splash plays, but finding consistency there will be rough.
D.J. Jones | DL | Grade: 41.2
This has been a bad season for Jones, who is at risk of being a cap casualty. The Chargers had a bad rushing offense, and Jones struggled to hold his own and got pushed off the point of attack multiple times.
Drew Sanders | LB | Grade: 43.7
Due to Nik Bonitto's injury, Sanders saw a lot of action working as an edge defender. The rookie played 32 snaps, 21 of which came as a pass rusher, where he picked up a single hurry. Obviously, he isn't being asked to be a full-time edge in the NFL, but he still has a lot to work on when it comes to seeing the game.
Marvin Mims Jr. | WR | Grade: 47.8
The way the Broncos have been using Mims is questionable at best. It isn't the best use of his skill set, and he hasn't been doing well, so his struggles aren't only on him. Mims would be much better suited to being used the way the Broncos are deploying Jeudy, especially in the game against the Chargers.
Other Noteworthy Grades
Adam Trautman | TE | Grade: 72.6
This was by far Trautman's best game as a Bronco, and even though he scored a touchdown, it was because of his work as a blocker. He's been an issue there all season, but he was great and contributed in a big way.
Despite his two catches, including that wide-open touchdown, Trautman's work as a receiver still leaves me wanting. He ran 16 routes, was targeted three times, and struggled to make himself a viable target.
Baron Browning | OLB | Grade: 59.3
Browning did well overall, but he did have some issues as a run defender and working in coverage. His primary responsibility is as a pass rusher, and he picked up five pressures, which tied for the second-most in the game. Overall, it was a solid game, which hopefully helps him get back on track after some down games.
Luke Wattenberg | RG | Grade: 54.6
There was a concern when right guard Quinn Meinerz was ruled out of the game, but Wattenberg did well in his place. There was a noticeable drop-off due to how excellent Meinerz has been this season. Wattenberg looked more than serviceable out there, though.
Fabian Moreau | CB | Grade: 49.6
Moreau has been solid as a starter, but his run defense is problematic. Moreau isn't a long-term solution as a starter opposite Surtain. As the team pushes for a playoff spot, the Broncos need to swap in Riley Moss over Moreau and start seeing whether the rookie third-rounder has what it takes to start opposite Surtain.
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