Broncos' Biggest Studs & Duds in 31-28 Win Over Bears
The Denver Broncos almost lost to the Chicago Bears, the worst team in the NFL. It was rough going, but the Broncos fought back to secure their first win of the season.
It was a mistake-riddled performance, but the Broncos made the comeback with 24 unanswered points. It’s a win, and if you weren't among the throngs of Broncos Country hoping for the No. 1 overall draft pick, you can rejoice — a little.
Who were the biggest studs and duds from the Broncos' first win of the season? Let's break it down.
Stud: Jaleel McLaughlin | RB
A bright spot on offense that struggled often throughout the game, McLaughlin played with heart and passion. He ran tough and showed his elusiveness when he scored on a screen pass during the Broncos' opening possession.
The team needed McLaughlin's determination and production, especially after Javonte Williams exited the game with a hip injury. McLaughlin finished the game with seven carries with a team-high 72 yards for a whopping 10.3 yards per carry, three receptions for 32 yards, and the aforementioned touchdown catch.
Dud: Vance Joseph | DC
There are several defenders worthy of the duds list, but the buck stops with the defensive coordinator. Don’t let the final outcome fool you, Joseph’s defense was once again inept.
Justin Fields looked like an All-Pro, posting a perfect passer rating until the last couple of plays in the game. Fields threw four touchdown passes against Joseph's pathetic defense and broke the Bears’ record for most consecutive completions in a game.
Joseph coaching anything is a disaster, and keeping him around reeks of malfeasance to the Nth degree. He's supposed to be a great defensive backs coach, yet the entire secondary, including 2022 All-Pro Patrick Surtain II, had a rough outing.
To add insult to injury, the Broncos can’t stop the run or tackle consistently. The Broncos are on pace to be the worst defense in the history of the league by giving up 637 points, breaking the dubious record by more than 100 points.
Stud: Nik Bonitto | OLB
Bonitto has been an entirely different player in his sophomore season. He's bigger, stronger, and has added pass-rushing moves to his repertoire.
In Chicago, Bonitto had 2.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss, three solo tackles, and a game-saving strip sack that Jonathon Cooper scooped up for the tying score. Bonitto was the Most Valuable Player on the defense that did just enough late in the game to keep the Bears from scoring.
Dud: George Paton | GM
A once-promising general manager hire, Paton has made several massive mistakes. He was part of the decision to pay a massive amount of money to the human turnstile Mike McGlinchey this past offseason, who hasn’t met a false start he didn’t like.
Paton's fingerprints are also on the invisible man on the defensive line, Zach Allen, and top-dollar left guard Ben Powers, who's been a shell of his former self. If these trends continue, the Broncos are likely to hand Paton his walking papers when the season concludes.
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