Initial thoughts from the Broncos’ 38-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11 at Empower Field at Mile High:
Mims the word: It appears Sean Payton has finally figured out how to use Marvin Mims Jr. A week ago, it was putting the Oklahoma speedster in the backfield and turning him into a runner. This week, Payton put him in the backfield … and turned him into a receiver. Then he put him in the slot … and turned him into a receiver. Then he put him in motion … and turned him into a runner on a fly sweep. Add it up and you’ve got five touches for 53 yards and one touchdown. Not jump-off-the-page numbers, but throw in three punt returns for 57 yards, and you have yourself a game-breaker.
Javonte’s got juice: Every time apountry gets ready to kick dirt on Javonte Williams as RB1, the veteran running back kicks it right back. Early in the season, when it looked like Tyler Badie might take his spot, Williams responded with 338 total yards over the next four games. Then, after carrying the ball once in last week’s loss at K.C., he turned his first name back into a verb — as in Williams “Javonte’d” former Broncos safety Justin Simmons and roughly half the Falcons defense on a rugged 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The final line: nine carries, 59 yards, one TD and plenty of job security.
Surtain strong: It was one play, and it didn’t even prevent the Falcons from converting a first down, but let’s at least take a moment to appreciate Pat Surtain’s one-armed tackle of receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III on second-and-1 in the first quarter. With his left arm, Surtain fought off a block. With his right arm, he hooked McCloud and pulled him backward. Gain of 2. Atlanta first down. But message sent. The Broncos defense, and their All-Pro leader, weren’t messing around on Sunday.
Orange out: As it turns out, there is such a thing as too much orange. We saw it Sunday when the Broncos showed up wearing an all-orange bottom-and-top combination that should be set on fire in the Empower Field parking lot like mustard yellow unis of yore. If not for the blue socks offering a slight contrast, there’s a chance a few spectators would’ve walked away blind. (Side note: It was pointed out to us during the game, and we can verify its veracity — the stripes on the pants look like a toothbrush. Prove us wrong.)
Extra point
Your NFC South champions: So much for that heartbreaker in Kansas City lingering. This was a complete performance from start to finish. Bo Nix was brilliant. The defense dominant. Special teams flawless. Shoot, Sean Payton even won a couple of challenges. Translation: EVERYBODY ate. This is how good teams respond to a back-breaking loss. And at this point, it’s pretty safe to say the Broncos are exactly that. The only question left: Do they wait until after the season to give the Broncos the NFC South trophy?
