Broncos Player Grades from 23-14 Loss to Raiders in Season Finale
There wasn't anything but draft position and pride on the line in the Denver Broncos' season finale vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. As predicted, the Broncos' 23-14 loss landed them the No. 12 overall pick, so the draft season will soon be underway.
However, there are a few season wrap-ups before getting to the draft. First up are the grades for the season finale.
It was a disappointing loss as the Raiders' win streak continues, extending to eight straight games. In a season where the Broncos broke multiple streaks, they failed to break this one. Instead of riding into the offseason on a high note, the Broncos headed home with a loss.
This was a bad game on both sides of the ball. There isn't much positive to cover, but let's get into the grades.
Offensive MVP: Brandon Johnson | WR
Grade: 67.9
Johnson's potential has always been there, but how he was used in the finale played to his strengths. He showed a lot of improvement in some key areas, but what stood out the most was the effort and technique as a blocker.
Defensive MVP: Josey Jewell | LB
Grade: 63.4
Jewell is an intelligent linebacker and is rarely out of position. He had some big moments triggering downhill against the run and even short passes, clogging throwing lanes in the middle of the field.
As Jewell enters 2024 as an unrestricted free agent, there's a good chance it was his final game for the Broncos.
Quarterback: Jarrett Stidham
Grade: 31.5
This game showed why Stidham shouldn't be viewed as the favorite at quarterback for the 2024 season. There has to be competition because so many issues with his game keep him from being a legit starting quarterback.
While Stidham can work with timing and in the middle of the field, his reads and risk-taking are not ideal.
The Positive
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Grade: 63.2
Jeudy finished his underwhelming season on a high note, where the timing with the quarterback was there. He was able to make some big plays happen because the ball got to him on schedule.
The question is, could this also have been Jeudy's final game in a Broncos uniform? Time will tell.
P.J. Locke | S | Grade: 61.3
Locke was a good find for the Broncos, even though it took time to get him on the field on defense. He went from being a question mark to even making the roster a couple of years ago to a legit starter in the NFL. These are the stories of development you want to see.
Lloyd Cushenberry III | C | Grade: 61.2
While it wasn't great, Cushenberry had a solid game to head into free agency. Maybe the Broncos can find a way to keep him, but odds are, this was his last game in the Orange and Blue.
Baron Browning | OLB | Grade: 61.2
Browning can be a good pass rusher, but he must find more consistency and improve his technique. His reads of plays are good, but he can get caught up due to technical issues leading to plays for the offense. Overall, it was a good game because he made some big splash plays.
The Negative
Fabian Moreau | CB | Grade: 27.4
Moreau is a replacement-level corner who was fine when the Broncos could hide him with pressure and turnovers. Denver didn't get much pressure against the Raiders, and Moreau was beaten multiple times.
D.J. Jones | DL | Grade: 34.3
The season's most disappointing player on the Broncos was bullied in the trenches. If Jones is back for the 2024 season, which is a big if, the team needs him to be significantly better than he was for this season.
Courtland Sutton | WR | Grade: 38.7
It was clear Sutton wasn't right, and everything with his play was off. Part of that was it being his first game with Stidham at quarterback. Not having the timing down with the quarterback was apparent.
Cam Fleming | RT | Grade: 42.5
Fleming struggled with Maxx Crosby, which isn't surprising. A hat tip to Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, however, as he was able to consistently isolate that matchup and keep the Broncos from being able to slide protection to help Fleming with his use of alignment and simulated pressures. The DC isolated the matchup and had his star pass rusher control a backup tackle.
Other Noteworthy Grades
Quinn Meinerz | RG | Grade: 60.7
It was an excellent year for Meinerz, but there were some hiccups against the Raiders. Graham made life difficult for the Broncos offensive line with how he deployed his unit and isolated matchups, which gave Meinerz some issues.
Marvin Mims Jr. | WR | Grade: 59.2
The Broncos used Mims outside of being a deep threat and end-around and had success. There was solid growth from Mims with his route running as the season went on, and he showed it in the finale.
Zach Allen | DL | Grade: 53.6
Allen was hit-or-miss against the Raiders, which was a disappointing end to what turned out to be a great season. If Denver can find him help on the defensive line, he could have a monster year next year.
Jonathan Harris | DL | Grade: 41.8
There were two plays in a three-play sequence where Harris was tossed to the ground. The Raiders bullied him in the trenches. Harris struggled all season as a run defender and never brought anything consistently as a pass rusher.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
