Offense — C
The Broncos keep doing decent things outside the red zone only to get bogged down by penalties and mistakes. They went 2 of 4 in the red zone against the Rams and were unable to extend drives because of bad third-down work (3 of 10). … The run-pass distribution (17 rushes, 41 passes) was again out of whack because the score got out of whack. … Quarterback Case Keenum was 25-of-41 passing for 322 yards and two touchdowns. He delivered on-point deep throws to , and , but also threw another red zone interception. … The patchwork offensive line held it together despite being without right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee) and losing left guard (ankle) early in the third quarter.
Defense — D
It was the day the rush defense collapsed. Again. The Rams gashed the Broncos for 270 yards on 39 carries, a nifty 6.9-yard average. carried 28 times for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Even when he was hit behind or at the line of scrimmage, he would power his way to a positive gain. … The Broncos devoted their game plan to containing Jared Goff and it semi-worked (58.8 passer rating for Goff). … Safety Darian Stewartap interception led to a Broncos touchdown. … Itap tough to give the defense even an average grade when they give up 444 yards and eight third down conversions. … Linebacker Bradley Chubb had three sacks and had 1 1/2 sacks so maybe they will become more consistent.
Special teams — B
Kicker is still perfect this season, connecting on field goals of 28 and 24 yards. … The Broncos cleaned up their special teams penalty issues from last week, but allowed a 31-yard kick return and a 26-yard punt return. … In his second game, punter Colby Wadman averaged 35 yards net on four attempts (two inside the 20-yard line). … The punt return team showed good discipline when Rams punter Johnny Hekker led a series of shifts and motions in an effort to get the Broncos to jump off-side. It didn’t work.
Coaching — C
Coach Vance Joseph led a relatively clean game. Late in the first half, the Broncos went for it on fourth-and-3 instead of a 57-yard Brandon McManus field goal. … Courtland Sutton did not get involved until the second half, which is inexcusable considering how much of a matchup problem he poses. … A play-calling second-guess: On third-and-5 from the Rams’ 6 in the fourth quarter, Keenum threw an incomplete fade pass to tight end . A low percentage throw that if called, should have involved Sutton.
Game Balls
LB Bradley Chubb. The rookie had 1 1/2 sacks in the first five games, but had three against the Rams.
WR Courtland Sutton. He had another penalty, but caught three passes for 58 yards and drew a penalty in the end zone.
