SANTA CLARA, Calif — The Broncos’ slow starts finally caught up to them Sunday, as they left San Francisco with a 24-14 loss. Even worse for Denver, both of the team’s starting cornerbacks exited with injuries and wideout Pat Bryant was carted off the field. Here’s The Denver Post’s report card on the Broncos’ tough day from Santa Clara.
Offense — D
Once again the Broncos’ offense let down the defense. Denver’s offense failed to run the ball effectively for the fourth straight game, did not even try to push the ball downfield and struggled to sustain any early-down success.
The Broncos recorded only 296 yards of offense, for a meager 4.6 yards per play. Bo Nix completed 25 passes, but he threw for just 214 yards and rarely hit on any passes beyond 10 yards. His ball placement was inconsistent, even on passes that were completed to Broncos’ wideouts. He nearly threw an interception to end the game, but wideout Courtland Sutton knocked the ball away from the San Francisco defensive back.
If Denver’s passing attack was porous, its ground game was almost worse. Offensive coordinator Davis Webb elected to run it only nine times in the first half, for 32 yards. Running back J.K. Dobbins appeared frustrated on multiple plays in the first half, frequently pacing on the sideline. Dobbins and RJ Harvey played better after halftime, upping the Broncos’ ground attack to 82 yards on the day. Denver’s most successful drive featured multiple running plays of 6 yards or more, which was capped off by a Jaylen Waddle touchdown.
But that was about the only success Denver enjoyed, and when the offense on the other side is one of the best in football, it’s difficult to win by scoring just 14 points. Concerns about the Broncos’ offense grow with each passing week.
Defense — B+
The Broncos lost both starting cornerbacks for the second half after Patrick Surtain II (ankle) and Riley Moss (ribs) both exited with injuries. Vance Joseph’s unit still played well without them, holding one of the best offenses in football to 358 yards.
Denver’s run defense, which has struggled at times this year, was stout against Christian McCaffrey. The former Colorado native rushed for just 52 yards on 15 carries and backup running back Kaelon Black rushed for just 13 yards.
In the second half, the Broncos’ passing defense surrendered a few big plays that cost them the game. First, quarterback Brock Purdy hit fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a big first down after scrambling around, then Kyle Shanahan drew up a gorgeous tight end screen pass to George Kittle. The tight end scampered untouched for a back-breaking touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
It’s hard to win without two starters, particularly when they come at the same position. Denver’s defense played inspired football, but ultimately San Francisco’s offense wore them down in the second half.
Special teams — B-
Broncos’ fans got a healthy dose of Jeremy Crawshaw on Sunday, probably more than they wanted to see, but Denver’s punter was once again excellent. He pinned the 49ers’ offense within the 20-yard line several times. Will Lutz drilled two field goals, missing a deep one late in the game.
But Marvin Mims Jr.’s fumble was crushing. After review, it appeared as if the call might get overturned, but the call on the field was upheld and the Broncos’ defense was forced to stay on the field. That play significantly hurt Denver’s hopes of a comeback.
Coaching — C
Sean Payton elected to kick a field goal with 14:08 left facing a fourth-and-two from the 22-yard line. The analytics suggested going for it, but Payton chose to take the points.
Webb keeps shying away from running the football in the first half and Payton seemed visibly frustrated in the postgame with the ground game’s struggles. The Broncos’ defense fought hard despite the injuries, but the offense again looked uninspired.
