Broncos Player Grades from Week 17 Win Over Chargers
Well, the Denver Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs despite their 16-9 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. After losing three of four games heading into Week 17, the Broncos needed much help to make the playoffs, even if they beat the Chargers, and when that assistance didn't come, it robbed the victory of any meaning relative to the postseason hunt.
However, it's good to sweep a divisional opponent, which the Broncos did by beating the Chargers. While the Broncos didn't know they'd be eliminated until after the game, the victory hurt their ability to get a higher draft pick.
If the Broncos had lost out, ending the season on a four-game losing streak, picking as high as No. 7 overall in the 2024 NFL draft would have been on the table — if games went Denver's way. Due to the results of the early games, Denver couldn't get ahead of No. 8 overall anyway.
The range Denver is now poised to pick in the draft is somewhere between picks 11-16, though 12-15 is most likely. A Week 18 win likely puts the Broncos picking No. 15, while a loss potentially puts them picking No. 12.
Both are out of range of the top three quarterbacks in the class and might be too early for the next-best three. I'll get into that in a later article, but for now, let's dive into Week 17's player grades and celebrate the Broncos' eighth victory after a 1-5 start and the fact that this team has the chance to finish the season with a winning record, which would be the first plus-.500 finish since 2016 (9-7).
Offensive MVP: Quinn Meinerz | RG
Grade: 74.9
It was good to have Meinerz back playing at a high level after a rough Week 16 game. He was a mauler in the run game, and he held up exceptionally well in pass protection, allowing only one pressure.
Defensive MVP: Justin Simmons | S
Grade: 76.2
Simmons was all over the field and came down to help against the run quite well. He allowed two catches on three targets and flew downhill to limit the Chargers to eight yards relinquished in coverage. It was one of Simmons' better games all season, with his consistency in every phase.
Quarterback: Jarrett Stidham
Grade: 53.7
The new quarterback replicated a lot of what we saw all season long from the old one. There were bad passes and some good-timing throws where Stidham allowed his receivers to make a play. He avoided sacks and used his legs to keep plays alive when needed.
The Positive
Zach Allen | IDL | Grade: 71.9
There wasn't much from Allen as a pass rusher, but he was the best run defender on the Broncos' defensive front. He's done a good job for most of the season but needs help upfront.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey | WR | Grade: 71.5
Humphrey had been just another guy on the Broncos' roster all season, but he finally got a chance to show some of his ability after the catch. As a former running back, Humphrey has vision and can make good cuts, especially for his size.
He took a timing route across the middle and turned it into a big 54-yard touchdown.
Lloyd Cushenberry III | C | Grade: 71.2
It was a good game from Cushenberry, who seems to have put it together this year. He allowed a single pressure and did well in the run game.
The question is whether the Broncos can find a way to pay Cushenberry with the impending cap issues or if they will let him walk in hopes of netting a compensatory draft pick in 2025.
Jonathon Cooper | OLB | Grade: 70.2
Cooper did well against the run and led the team with three pressures. His play as a run defender carries his grade, as he had 27 pass-rush snaps and a pass-rush win percentage of eight.
The Negative
Ronnie Perkins | OLB | Grade: 39.5
There were no pressures from Perkins, and his play as a run defender was not there. It wouldn't be surprising if the Broncos aim to upgrade the bottom of their edge rusher room.
Nik Bonitto | OLB | Grade: 42.1
Bonitto had some good plays as a pass rusher and a run defender, but he had some tackling issues. He would set himself up to make a play but fail to finish it. However, with him coming back from an injury that cost him a couple of games, he was better than expected.
Brandon Johnson | WR | Grade: 47.1
Johnson caught four passes for 27 yards, and his routes were fine overall. The more significant issue with Johnson came as a blocker on the outside.
Phillip Dorsett | WR | Grade: 48.7
Dorsett was targeted twice and didn't come down with either. His route running is poor, and he offers nothing as a blocker.
Other Noteworthy Grades
Javonte Williams | RB | Grade: 67.4
It wasn't an efficient game for the running back, averaging 2.7 yards per carry, but he was hit in the backfield regularly. Williams picked up only 11 yards before contact.
However, what stood out was Williams' vision and burst, which was missing over the previous few weeks.
Drew Sanders | OLB | Grade: 63.8
This was the best game from Sanders all season. He was reading plays quickly and reacting in a flash. While he didn't generate a lot of pressure with only one in the game, he played well in every phase.
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Grade: 62.7
With three catches for 54 yards, Jeudy was solid. He ran good routes, but what caught my attention was his effort as a blocker. It was like he had a new energy injected into his play. Curious.
Patrick Surtain II | CB | Grade: 43.6
There were issues with Surtain in the run game, but also in coverage. While he allowed just three catches on seven targets for 26 yards, it was the timing of those completions that stuck out.
Facing off against a depleted receiver room, Surtain had a chance to dominate L.A., but he allowed two of the three catches to move the chains.
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