The Denver Broncos have now suffered losses in back-to-back weeks and are in danger of being eliminated from playoff contention following an embarrassing performance on Sunday Night Football. Quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton are rightfully receiving criticism from the fanbase following a string of questionable decisions throughout the Week 16 loss and fans have begun to toy with the idea of seeing a different starting quarterback under center in 2024.
Denver Broncos Stock Up following a disastrous primetime loss vs. Patriots:
TE Lucas Krull
Who would have thought second-string tight end and former practice squad body Lucas Krull would be on the stock up report at this point in the regular season? The rookie caught four passes for 28 yards in the contest and reeled in the first touchdown of his young NFL career coming midway through the fourth quarter in a clutch moment. While he certainly did not have the most flashy night by any means, Krull still tied the team-high in targets with five and stepped up most when the offense needed him to.
WR Marvin Mims Jr.
An easy stock up this week is wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. He may not have had the most consistent performance in terms of creating separation on an every-down basis however, the rookie talent led the team in receiving yards (63) on just three receptions averaging out at 21 yards per reception. Now imagine if he was utilized more frequently down the field earlier in the game. Mims Jr.'s increased usage in this matchup as opposed to previous weeks calls for a stock up.
Denver Broncos Stock Down:
QB Russell Wilson
Who else other than Russell Wilson? The veteran quarterback arguably had the biggest downward trajectory of any Broncos player following his performance Sunday night. He continues to miss out on countless opportunities in the passing game and while the blame does not fall completely on his shoulders, it is without a doubt he is holding the offense back from their full potential. Running from clean pockets, making questionable throws, and taking needless sacks rather than throwing the ball away or to the open receiver were major reasons for why Wilson performed so poorly against New England's defense. This game undoubtedly felt like the nail in the coffin for any hope of Russell Wilson as the franchise's long-term starting quarterback.
RB Javonte Williams
It certainly was not the best night for running back Javonte Williams however, the criticism for his production is unwarranted. Sure, he may not be the most agile or explosive back, but he is solid in the role that is asked of him...when the offensive line can properly block for him. It seems at times opposing defenses sniff out the run before the play even starts making it much more difficult for Williams to gain any yards on the ground when he initiates contact before even reaching the line of scrimmage.
As for his fumble and trip at the goal line, those are two mistakes that potentially cost the Broncos two scores. He'll need to clean that up in the final two games of the season.
CB Patrick Surtain ll
Just when the game could not get worse, it got worse. All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain ll allowing two 30-yard completions to wide receiver DeVante Parker felt very indicative of how the matchup went for the Denver Broncos. Every cornerback has their "off" game and Surtain ll definitely had his against New England's receiver core who had an exceptional night.
CB Ja'Quan McMillian
Like Surtain ll, second-year corner Ja'Quan McMillian, who has been on a tear as of late, had a poor performance in Denver Sunday night. The East Carolina product had one series where he allowed two chunk plays in the secondary and missed a tackle on Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliot for a touchdown reception. Throughout the game, McMillian was inconsistent in coverage and a liability at times. He'll look to bounce back on New Year's Eve against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Entire Defensive Line
The Denver Broncos defensive line was lackluster all night long and as a result, Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe was able to have a successful night carving up Vance Joseph's secondary. No matter which coverages or blitzes the Broncos threw at the quarterback, there was nonexistent pressure through all four quarters of the ball game. Despite having a good performance against the run, the lack of pressure was absolutely inexcusable for Denver's defensive line against a bottom-three offensive line in the NFL.