The Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints faced off in a highly anticipated match that showcased two distinct teams with different strengths and weaknesses. Both teams had a lot to prove, but it was the Denver Broncos who emerged victorious with a solid 28-19 win. This article takes a deep dive into the player stats and the overall team performance to analyze how the game unfolded, highlighting key stats, player contributions, and what ultimately made the difference for the Broncos.
Game Overview
In this matchup, the Denver Broncos entered the game with an undefeated 3-0 record, including a 2-0 performance on the road. The New Orleans Saints, on the other hand, were struggling with a 0-2-1 record and had yet to find their rhythm at home, holding a 0-1-1 record on their turf. Despite a valiant effort from the Saints, it was the Broncos’ efficiency on both sides of the ball that helped them secure the win.
The game was relatively competitive, but Denver’s offensive and defensive units showed more discipline and effectiveness, particularly in key areas such as third down efficiency, total yards, and red zone performance.
Team Stats Breakdown
To fully appreciate how each player and unit contributed, let’s take a closer look at some of the key team stats.
1st Downs:
- Denver Broncos: 22
- New Orleans Saints: 16
Denver led in first downs, which speaks to their ability to sustain drives. The Broncos were more effective in both the passing and rushing games, generating first downs across all categories. In contrast, the Saints struggled to keep drives alive, particularly through the air.
Passing 1st Downs:
- Denver Broncos: 16
- New Orleans Saints: 11
Denver’s passing game was much more efficient, with quarterback Russell Wilson consistently finding his receivers. The Broncos dominated in this area, converting more first downs through the air than the Saints.
Rushing 1st Downs:
- Denver Broncos: 5
- New Orleans Saints: 4
Though Denver had more rushing first downs, the Saints’ rushing game was more efficient on a per-play basis, averaging 4.5 yards per rush compared to the Broncos’ 3.8 yards per rush.
3rd Down Efficiency:
- Denver Broncos: 7-16
- New Orleans Saints: 5-13
The Broncos were slightly better on third downs, converting 43.8% of their opportunities. The Saints were less effective in this department, converting just 38.5% of their third downs, which contributed to their struggles in maintaining possession.
4th Down Efficiency:
- Denver Broncos: 3-4
- New Orleans Saints: 0-2
The Broncos excelled on fourth down, converting three of their four attempts, while the Saints failed to convert either of their fourth down tries. This marked another area where Denver’s execution was better, particularly in crucial moments.
Total Yards:
- Denver Broncos: 396
- New Orleans Saints: 236
Denver outgained New Orleans by a wide margin in total yardage, showcasing their offensive dominance. The Broncos’ ability to move the ball effectively through both the air and on the ground put significant pressure on the Saints’ defense.
Total Plays:
- Denver Broncos: 75
- New Orleans Saints: 58
Denver ran significantly more plays, reflecting their time of possession advantage and the effectiveness of their offense. The more plays a team runs, the more opportunities they have to score and dictate the tempo of the game.
Passing Yards:
- Denver Broncos: 293
- New Orleans Saints: 160
A key factor in the Broncos’ victory was their passing game, with Wilson passing for over 290 yards. The Saints’ passing game, on the other hand, struggled to gain much traction, with only 160 passing yards. This disparity in passing yards is one of the key reasons the Broncos were able to control the game.
Rushing Yards:
- Denver Broncos: 103
- New Orleans Saints: 76
The Broncos were more productive on the ground, with 103 rushing yards. While the Saints had an average of 4.5 yards per rush, they were limited in their overall yardage. Denver’s run game was more balanced and helped maintain possession, allowing them to manage the clock and limit the Saints’ opportunities.
Penalties:
- Denver Broncos: 6-35
- New Orleans Saints: 3-40
Both teams had relatively few penalties, but the Broncos’ penalties were less costly in terms of yardage, which is an important aspect of the game. The Saints, despite committing fewer penalties, gave up more yardage overall.
Turnovers:
- Denver Broncos: 1
- New Orleans Saints: 1
Both teams had one turnover, but the Broncos’ turnover did not significantly impact the game. The Saints’ turnover, however, came at a crucial time and ended any momentum they had built, further stalling their comeback efforts.
Possession:
- Denver Broncos: 36:51
- New Orleans Saints: 23:09
Time of possession was another area where the Broncos excelled, holding onto the ball for almost 37 minutes. This kept the Saints’ offense off the field and limited their scoring opportunities.
Individual Player Performance
Russell Wilson (QB – Denver Broncos)
Wilson was the driving force behind the Broncos’ offense. He threw for 293 yards, completing 32 of 45 passes, with a touchdown and an interception. His ability to spread the ball to different receivers and manage the clock effectively was crucial to Denver’s success. Wilson’s command of the game was evident in his decision-making, especially on third and fourth downs.
Javonte Williams (RB – Denver Broncos)
Williams was solid in the running game, carrying the ball 27 times for 103 yards. Though he averaged just 3.8 yards per rush, he was crucial in maintaining balance for the Broncos’ offense and controlling the clock. Williams’ physical style of running allowed the Broncos to move the ball efficiently and chew up time of possession.
Courtland Sutton (WR – Denver Broncos)
Sutton played a key role in Wilson’s success, pulling in 8 receptions for 112 yards. His ability to make plays down the field helped the Broncos stretch the Saints’ defense, creating openings for other receivers. Sutton’s physicality and reliable hands were critical in sustaining Denver’s passing attack.
Drew Lock (QB – New Orleans Saints)
Lock’s performance was underwhelming, with only 160 passing yards on 22 completions out of 37 attempts. He also did not throw any touchdowns and had to rely on his running backs and defense to make plays. Lock showed flashes of competence but struggled to create big plays consistently. His inability to stretch the field and make timely throws limited the Saints’ offensive output.
Alvin Kamara (RB – New Orleans Saints)
Kamara was the Saints’ most reliable offensive weapon, running for 56 yards on 11 carries. While he averaged 5.1 yards per carry, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Broncos’ defense. Kamara’s ability as a dual-threat player was not fully utilized, as the Saints fell behind and were forced to abandon the run game in the second half.
Michael Thomas (WR – New Orleans Saints)
Thomas had a modest game with 6 receptions for 54 yards. He was one of Lock’s most reliable targets, but his performance wasn’t explosive enough to change the outcome of the game. Denver’s defense was able to limit his impact, and the Saints’ lack of a complementary passing attack made it easier for the Broncos to key in on Thomas.
Key Takeaways
- Broncos’ Offensive Efficiency: Denver’s ability to sustain drives, especially on third and fourth downs, was a key factor in their victory. The Broncos outgained the Saints in total yardage and controlled the tempo of the game, thanks to strong performances from Wilson, Williams, and Sutton.
- Saints’ Struggles in the Passing Game: New Orleans struggled to move the ball through the air, with Drew Lock unable to generate big plays. Despite a strong rushing attack from Alvin Kamara, the lack of offensive balance ultimately hindered their chances.
- Time of Possession: The Broncos’ dominance in time of possession helped limit the Saints’ opportunities, allowing Denver to maintain control throughout the game.
- Defensive Performance: Both teams had issues with their offensive line play, but the Broncos’ defense was able to create pressure and limit the Saints’ ability to execute in the red zone. Denver’s pass rush contributed to a crucial sack and constant disruption, forcing the Saints into uncomfortable situations.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos demonstrated solid execution on both sides of the ball in their 28-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Despite a tough performance from the Saints, particularly in the rushing game, Denver’s offensive efficiency and solid defense made the difference. With key performances from Russell Wilson, Javonte Williams, and Courtland Sutton, the Broncos were able to come away with a well-earned win on the road. For the Saints, a lack of offensive production and inconsistent play from Drew Lock will be areas they need to address if they hope to bounce back in the coming weeks.
