The Denver Broncos made a statement on Monday Night Football, showcasing their prowess on both offense and defense. The team amassed an impressive total of 512 yards of offense, including a remarkable 186 rushing yards, leading to a convincing 28-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. With this win, both teams now hold a record of 2-2.
Leading the charge for the Broncos was running back J.K. Dobbins, who rushed for a stellar 101 yards. This performance marks the first time that head coach Sean Payton has had a running back surpass 100 yards since Latavius Murray achieved 103 rushing yards in the final week of the 2022 season. Additionally, RJ Harvey contributed with 58 yards on 14 carries, further solidifying the Broncos' ground game.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a standout game, totaling three touchdowns. Nix showcased his versatility by rushing for a 6-yard touchdown while also throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton and a 12-yarder to Harvey. He completed an impressive 29 of his 42 passes for 326 yards while throwing one interception, which occurred on a fourth-and-goal attempt that was intercepted by Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight in the end zone.
The Broncos' receiving corps also made significant contributions to the game. Courtland Sutton caught five passes for 81 yards, while Marvin Mims recorded six receptions for 69 yards, including a remarkable 16-yard touchdown run. This balanced offensive attack proved too much for the Bengals to handle.
On the other hand, the Cincinnati Bengals struggled to find their rhythm, especially after suffering a heavy defeat of 48-10 to the Vikings the previous week. Over the last two games, the Bengals have been outscored by a staggering 76-13. In this game, they could only muster 159 yards in total offense, managing just 62 yards on their initial drive. In their final eight drives (excluding a kneel down), the Bengals executed 32 plays for a mere 89 yards, leading to eight punts.
Compounding their struggles, the Bengals incurred more penalties than first downs, with 11 penalties costing them 65 yards against only 9 first downs. Quarterback Jake Browning completed 14 of 25 passes for 125 yards. Star receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a quiet night, catching five passes for just 23 yards, while Tee Higgins managed three receptions for 32 yards. Running back Chase Brown rushed for 40 yards on 10 carries, but it was clear that the Bengals were unable to establish a consistent offensive presence.
This decisive victory not only boosts the Broncos' confidence but also raises questions about the Bengals' ability to bounce back from a troubling start to the season. As both teams look ahead, the Broncos will aim to build on this success while the Bengals will need to regroup and address their offensive challenges.
