Game balls and a look ahead following the Broncos’ 24-15 win over the Cardinals in Week 15 to improve to 4-10.
Latavius Murray
He racked up 130 yards rushing, averaging 5.4 yards per carry with a long of 35. It was the Broncos’ first 100-yard performance by a running back this year. Backup Marlon Mack added 37 yards and a touchdown as Denver was able to consistently run the ball down the stretch.
Brett Rypien
Making his third career start in place of Russell Wilson, who cleared concussion protocol this past week but was held out, Rypien did just enough to help the Broncos win the battle of backup quarterbacks. He finished 21-of-26 for 197 yards, with a TD, an interception and a 95 rating.
Justin Simmons
The safety had two interceptions to increase his career total to 26. Simmons picked off Colt McCoy in the first half, setting up a field goal attempt. Then, Simmons intercepted a pass by Trace McSorley in the fourth quarter, setting up a TD. Simmons has five picks this season.
DeShawn Williams
While the combination of Williams, Mike Purcell and D.J. Jones stuffed and snuffed out the Cardinals’ rushing game (Arizona was held to 65 yards on the ground), Williams was a force all by himself. He set a career-high with 2.5 sacks, and added four QB hits as well.
Up Next
at Rams on Sunday, Dec. 25 at SoFi Stadium, 2:30 p.m.
Record: 4-9
Week 15 result: at Packers on Monday Night Football
Coach: Sean McVay (sixth season, 59-35)
About the Rams: In terms of disappointment relative to preseason expectations, the Rams are right up there with the Broncos, if not beyond them. Coming off its Super Bowl championship, Los Angeles has laid an egg. Before last week’s 17-16 win over the Raiders, the Rams lost six straight and saw starting quarterback Matthew Stafford placed on season-ending injured reserve with a neck issue. In his Los Angeles debut, Baker Mayfield led a last-second game-winning drive to beat Las Vegas and will be the quarterback going forward.
