Offense — A
Break up the Broncos’ offense. They posted a season-high 38 points (tied for the most in coach Vic Fangio’s tenure), scored on their first two possessions (both touchdowns) for the first time this season and played turnover-free. The running back tandem of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams combined for four touchdowns. Tight end Noah Fant had a season-high 32-yard catch in the first half. Gordon rushed 24 times for a season-high 111 yards and Williams added 73 bull-dozing yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was an efficient 18-of-25 passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
Defense — A
The Broncos held Detroit to minus-1 yards in the first quarter and the only hiccups were consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter (touchdown and field goal) that allowed the Lions to cut the lead to 14-10. But Detroit did nothing from there. Defensive end Shelby Harris (forced fumble) and safety Justin Simmons (interception) had second-half takeaways and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones was a wrecking crew (two sacks, one other tackle for loss and a batted-down pass) before leaving with an injury. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, filling in for Malik Reed, had five tackles.
Special teams — A
No major errors, which earns the special teams top marks. Kicker Brandon McManus ended the first half with a 52-yard field goal, his second-longest of the season (53 at Dallas). The unit had no penalties for the third time in four games. McManus was 5 of 5 on point-after attempts and all six of his kickoffs were touchbacks. Sam Martin averaged 43.3 yards on three punts and Diontae Spencer had an 11-yard punt return.
Coaching — A
Starting the game with 10 players on the field to recognize former receiver Demaryius Thomas was a great decision by Vic Fangio in consultation with Lions coach Dan Campbell. The passing game didn’t really get going, but it didn’t need to do. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur called rushes on 18 of the first 29 plays over the first two drives and stuck with what was working throughout and put the Broncos in good third-down situations (8 of 12). Against Fangio’s defense, the Lions were 5 of 13 on third down and 3 of 5 on fourth down.
