5 Standout Performances From Week 5 That Portend Well For Broncos' Immediate Future
The Denver Broncos finally got the monkey off their back, going into Los Angeles and beating the Chargers 20-13.
It was the 500th win in franchise history and the first career victory for head coach Vic Fangio.
There were five standout performances that carried the Broncos and portend well for the team's immediate future. Tip your cap to these guys.
Phillip Lindsay, RB
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Lindsay was an absolute firecracker for the Broncos on Sunday. With 15 carries, he finished with 114 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground, also chipping in with four receptions (on four targets) for an additional 33 yards.
Late in the game, with Joe Flacco struggling to find rhythm and close the game out with a seven-point lead, Lindsay took matters into his own hands, ripping off runs of 32 and 13 yards on the Broncos' final possession, which set up Brandon McManus' 46-yard field goal that officially put the contest out of reach.
What it means for the future: The Broncos are now 1-0 in October. How this squad performs in the next three games — the second quarter of the season — will determine whether the Broncos can actually turn this season around. Lindsay had 19 touches in Week 5 but that's probably what it's going to take to give the Broncos' offense the spark it needs to ignite and compliment the defense.
Courtland Sutton, WR
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Sutton is emerging into a bonafide WR1 before our very eyes. He went into last week's game vs. Jacksonville without a score on the season, but two games later, he now has three touchdowns.
Arguably his most impressive score came in Week 5 vs. the Chargers, where he caught a deep cross from Flacco, broke a tackle and rumbled 70 yards to the house. It was Denver’s longest scoring play from scrimmage since WR Bennie Fowler’s 76-yard touchdown catch vs. Kansas City on Nov. 27, 2016.
Sutton finished with four receptions (seven targets) for 92 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Sanders received just one target, which he caught for nine yards.
What it means for the future: Sutton has clearly earned Flacco's trust as a primary target but the second-year wideout also proved that he can make game-changing plays. Look for Flacco to continue to feed his new favorite target. Sutton's ability gives the Broncos the chance to score from anywhere on the field, which puts the remaining opponents in October on their heels.
Alexander Johnson, LB
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Josey who? I kid, I kid. But what a coming out party for Alexander Johnson. As is so common in the NFL, the injury bug has created an opportunity for Vic Fangio to unearth a gem at the inside linebacker position.
Johnson more than capitalized on his opportunity to start next to Todd Davis, finishing with nine combined tackles (six solo) and an interception. Johnson's pick came in the Broncos' own end zone, with the Chargers threatening in the red zone.
Johnson almost had another interception later in the game, but couldn't quite haul it in. He was all over the field in Week 5, helping to take pressure off of the beleaguered Davis.
What it means for the future: The Broncos are no longer dependent on Jewell's hamstring. Jewell is likely going to return to his starting job and he's a good young player but in all the games he's started since arriving in Denver, he never affected the outcome of a game the way Johnson did in Week 5.
Kareem Jackson, S
Simply put, Jackson is a difference-maker for this Broncos' defense. When he's on the field and healthy, this defense is elevated simply by virtue of Jackson's presence.
After missing last week's game against the Jaguars and seeing his teammates give up 269 yards rushing and miss tackle after tackle, Jackson stepped onto the field in L.A. and set the tone. In the closing seconds of the first half, the Chargers went for it on fourth down on the goal-line, instead of taking the easy three points.
The swing pass went to the dynamic RB Austin Ekeler and it appeared his head of steam would see him break the plane, but Jackson took an excellent angle to the ball, stopped Ekeler from crossing the goal-line and forced a fumble out of bounds, which resulted in a touchback. That would have been a touchdown if it had been last week.
What it means for the future: So long as Jackson is healthy and on the field, this Broncos' defense is likely to execute at a much higher, more efficient level. Jackson is a savvy nickel cornerback and a physical safety in the box — and he doesn't miss tackles.
Andy Janovich, FB
Janovich didn't add any stats to the box score. No receptions, no carries. But what he did was blast open holes for Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman to the tune of 191 rushing yards on the road.
What it means for the future: This offense looks completely different with Janovich on the field. His presence means this rushing attack has a great chance to continue to serve as the offense's identity and tip of the spear.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.
