Tracking the best and worst from the Broncos’ loss Sunday against the Texans.
UP: Respect.Rookie wide receiver arrived at Mile High in a white No. 88 uniform. Then Denver honored one of its most productive offensive players in franchise history during pregame with a tribute video. An odd scene with Thomas standing in a Texans’ uniform on the visiting sideline, but a fitting nod to a future Broncos’ Ring-of-Famer.
DOWN: Run game.The Broncos entered Week 9 leading the NFL in yards per carry (5.3), but Denver’s ball carriers hit a brick wall against Houston without (ankle). carried 17 times for 60 yards (3.5 average). reached the end zone once, but he also lost a fumble.
UP: Revenge.The Broncos traded their most veteran player to their upcoming opponent. Thomas, while sometimes out of sorts with the Texans’ offense, made Denver pay. He caught two deep passes on Houston’s opening touchdown drive and finished the game with three receptions for 61 yards.
DOWN:Secondarycommunication.Texans’ star wide receiver hauled in a (wide open) 16-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.It led to a lengthy animated sideline discussion between Broncos cornerback Adam Jones and safety . Hopkins continued to thrive with 10 receptions for 105 yards and the score.
UP: Tight end targets. Denver’s offense rarely relied on the tight end passing game through eight games. That changed versus Houston. , whose previous career high for receptions was four, totaled 10 catches for 83 yards and a score. also added a catch-and-run of 44 yards.
DOWN:Field goal decisions.A disastrous sequence that mirrored Denver’s season occurred to end the first half. The Broncos opted for a 62-yard field goal instead of punt, trailing 13-10, and kicker missed wide right. Houston used that premium field position to attempt a 46-yard field goal shortly after, but coach called a timeout just before Texans’ kicker Ka’imi Faribairn failed to convert. He didn’t miss a second time and the Texans led 16-10 at the break.
UP: Quarterback pressure.The Von Miller- edge rushing duo once again proved to be among the NFL’s most dynamic. The veteran and rookie combined for a pair of sacks, five tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. and DeMarcus Walker also contributed two sacks.
DOWN: Keeping a lead.The Broncos gained their first scoring advantage of the game, 17-16, midway through the third quarter when Keenum found Heuerman on a 12-yard receiving touchdown. The lead didn’t last. Houston responded with a field goal and the Broncos had no answer. Another disappointing loss.
