Broncos Player Grades from Week 2's Crushing 35-33 Loss to Commanders

While the Denver Broncos once held a 21-3 lead over the Washington Commanders, the defense allowed 18 unanswered points on their way to a 35-33 loss. There were plenty of issues on both sides of the ball, but the defense fell apart, starting with 6:34 left in the second quarter. That turning point was a fumble by the Broncos quarterback.

After that fumble, the Commanders scored 32 points, while the Broncos scored 12. The theme of this one was the defense couldn't stop anything, while the offense couldn't get going. That fumble sucked the life out of the team and the stadium. There isn't much more to be said about this as a team, so let's get into the individual grades.

As a note, Marvin Mims Jr. missed out on being graded for the second week in a row because he only garnered 16 snaps. The minimum cut-off is 20 snaps. Kareem Jackson is also excluded despite playing 35 snaps because of his ejection.

Let's dive in.

Offensive MVP: Courtland Sutton | WR

Grade: 74.3

Courtland Sutton ended the game on a big note by failing to come down with the two-point conversion to tie the game, with a defender dropped all over him. His showing started late in the game, with him not getting targeted until the final 25 minutes of the game. He showed off his value, hauling five of seven targets for 66 yards, three of which went for a first down. The blocking was there, and he showed more fight after the catch than in a while.

Defensive MVP: Josey Jewell | LB

Grade: 77.5

It was a relatively quiet game from Jewell, who allowed three catches on five targets for 33 yards. His best play came early in the game with a baited pass that he was able to tip into the air but couldn't come down with the interception. He flowed well to the ball in the run game and was the most consistent defender on the Broncos' defense.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson

Grade: 48.7

The timing and placement from Wilson on throws under 10 yards continue to leave yards on the field. The worst came on a third down that he completed for seven yards when they needed nine. His pass was late and behind the receiver, who ran a route that needed precise timing from the quarterback. Both of his turnovers were terrible plays by him, but he had some great passes, including both deep shots to Mims that were practically perfect.

The Washington Commanders were baiting him to escape left and spying on him with their weakside linebacker, who forced the fumble. Missed facemask or not, Wilson tries to outrace the defender instead of throwing it away and accepting the 3rd-and-15. Even if he didn't fumble, it was a loss of yards. His interception seemed to be him not knowing the play and throwing to the wrong spot on his first target to Sutton.

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The Positive

Jonathon Cooper | OLB| Grade: 71.6

Cooper had a good rush on a fumble and held up well against the run. He was part of multiple sacks and applied solid pressure in the game. It was a good game where Cooper was one of the more consistent defenders.

Samaje Perine | RB | Grade: 64.8

With only four touches, Perine didn't get a lot of chances, but he averaged six yards per touch. He made the most of his opportunities, which should lead to questions about his lack of usage. His routes were clean, and he made himself open when plays started to break down.

Patrick Surtain | CB | Grade: 60.1

The Commanders didn't target Surtain often, but both targets were caught. The issue with Surtain's game is how passive he is regarding his run defense. It was a solid game, but he needs to show more consistent defending the run.

Brandon Johnson | WR | Grade: 61.2

Johnson had the heads-up play of the game, thanks to some help from Lady Luck. After bouncing off two other Broncos, Johnson came down with the Hail Mary on the second to last play of the game. His other catch was also a touchdown, a great design by the coaching staff. It was a solid game with good routes, even when he wasn't targeted.

The Negative

Mike McGlinchey | OT | Grade: 33.1

Back-to-back weeks of McGlinchey struggling, but he didn't at least do well as a run blocker this week. The big-money right tackle has been a complete failure so far for the Broncos. They need him to turn it around and start being worth the cost. It was a six-pressure and one-sack showing while allowing multiple tackles for a loss and a batted pass.

Chris Manhertz | TE | Grade: 39.6

The blocking tight end has been a disappointment for the Broncos. He played 21 snaps, with 19 as a blocker, and very few of them were wins by him. What few wins he did often came with him helping someone or getting help.

Justin Simmons | S | Grade: 43.4

For some reason, Simmons has a bad habit of starting the season out rough. It is hard to say with 100% certainty without the All-22 angle when watching over the game, but Simmons looked out of position often. There also seems to be some discomfort in the scheme. His run fills haven't been the best, either.

Nik Bonitto | OLB | Grade: 43.6

Bonitto is a prime example of a splash play creating a narrative. He had an outstanding play for a sack about two plays after having another excellent pass-rush play. Overall, he ended the game with five total pressures.

If Bonitto were only getting graded for his pass rush, his grade would be in the 70's. The issue is his run defense. He missed two tackles and got bullied or lost contain on basically every run play he was in for.

Other Noteworthy Grades

Quinn Meinerz | OG | Grade: 48.2

It wasn't a great game from the offensive line in general. Ben Powers and Garett Bolles had their issues in pass protection, but they did exceptionally well in the run game. McGlinchey struggled in both, but Meinerz struggled in both as well. Over five pass plays in a row, Meinerz allowed four pressures. There were also times he lost his man as a run blocker.

Zach Allen | DL | Grade: 46.5

Denver paid Allen to be a strong run defender and continue his climb as a pass rusher. Neither of those has come to fruition. He picked up three pressures but did next to nothing as a run defender. Three pressures also are not enough from the guy you're betting on being the top interior pass rusher on the team.

Damarri Mathis | CB | Grade: 44.2

The game wasn't as bad as in Week 1, but it still was not good. A couple of plays early were enough to keep Mathis from being the lowest-graded defender. It's time to consider benching the young corner after allowing 15 catches on 17 targets for 178 yards and three touchdowns in two games.

Adam Trautman | TE | Grade: 43.4

Trautman was made the top tight end because of his blocking, but he hasn't done well there. While he has made a few nice blocks over the first two games, there isn't any consistency. On top of that, Trautman hasn't emerged as a pass-catcher, which is needed with Greg Dulcich on injured reserve.

The Broncos need better from their players. Their execution has been poor in both games. The Broncos will find themselves in a hole they can't climb out of if they can't get the needed improvements.

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