5. The Defense
Obviously it’s tough for either team on a Thursday Night Football matchup to really prepare as much as they would like, especially when it comes to studying an opposing offense with a rookie quarterback.
Fortunately, the Broncos have some familiarity with Mike McCoy and his offense, and they absolutely teed off on Josh Rosen in this one.
The rookie didn’t stand a chance, throwing three interceptions, fumbling the ball three times (two lost) and getting sacked six times. The Broncos’ defense hit Rosen 11 times and scored two touchdowns while completely dominating the game against the run and pass.
Bradley Roby got on the board with another pair of sacks, and Shaquil Barrett added one along with Zach Kerr.
DeMarcus Walker, playing in his first game of the season, picked up a fumble forced by Von Miller.
Bradley Roby, who has been terrible at times this season, came back with four pass breakups and an interception in the end zone off of Rosen.
It was as dominant a performance from the Denver defense as we have seen since the Super Bowl unit in 2015 took the field together, and it’s something Broncos fans could very easily get used to.