Broncos Grades
Offense: D. Poor pass protection — right tackle was the biggest culprit — wrecked the Broncos’ hopes of creating any consistency in the passing game. Two turnovers by quarterback ended promising drives. Washington converted the first, a fumble by Osweiler in the second quarter, into a touchdown.
Defense: C-. The Broncos surrendered three touchdown passes, bringing their total this season to 29. There appeared to be confusion on a number of breakdowns in the secondary that led to big plays, including ‘ 48-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass to a wide-open Josh Doctson.
Special teams: C. Devontae Booker twice brought kickoffs out of the end zone and failed to reach the 20-yard line, and an attempt at a gadget punt return resulted in poor field position. Denver’s punt team, though, twice pinned the Redskins inside their own 10-yard line, with the help of nice plays by long snapper .
Coaching: D. The Broncos curiously went away from the run after safety ‘ interception in the third quarter. The Broncos trailed just 10-3 at the time, but took a 10-yard sack on the first play of the ensuing drive and never recovered. The staff also shoulders responsibility for a blown scoring opportunity at the end of the second quarter, when the clock ran out though the Broncos were in field goal range.
Game Balls
Kirk Cousins, Washington QB. The Broncos’ defense came after Cousins at the start, and he completed only one of his first six pass attempts. But the veteran soon settled in and delivered a strong performance as he carved up the Broncos’ secondary.
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington LB. The all-pro pass rusher sacked Osweiler twice, including a game-turning takedown in the third quarter after the Broncos had intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass in the end zone. Denver’s offense never found a rhythm after that.
, Broncos RB. Anderson represented the only bright spot offensively for the Broncos. He finished with 88 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown, and needs 54 yards in the season finale against the Chiefs to reach 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
