Denver Broncos (6-5) – Atlanta Falcons (6-5): 38-6
In NFL history, only one rookie quarterback has completed 4 consecutive home games with more than 200 yards and at least 2 touchdowns. His name? Peyton Manning. But the legend is no longer alone in this very exclusive club. Author of a new major performance, Bo Nix (28/33, 307 yards, 4 touchdowns) joins him in leading his team to victory. In demonstration, the quarterback exceeded the 300 yard mark for the first time. It allows Denver to win easily, without ever having been worried.
Bo Nix gets Denver off to a flying start
Four drives. Three touchdowns. Guided by their quarterback, the Denver Broncos crush the Falcons in the first half. The tone is set from the first drive of the match. Boss size, the rookie completes 4 of his 5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown to Nate Adkins (1 reception, 12 yards, 1 touchdown). Opposite, Kirk Cousins (18/27, 173 yards, 1 interception) may have had a good start to the match, but he cannot keep up with the pace. While he positioned his team for two Younghoe Koo field goals, the Broncos scored two more touchdowns. Firstly by the incisive Javonte Williams (9 races, 59 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 receptions, 28 yards), carried by his teammates to the goal. Then by Mavins Mims Jr. (2 receptions, 49 yards, 1 touchdown) at the very end of the second quarter. Denver leads 21-6 going into the locker room.
Confirming all his progress, Bo Nix is the player of this half. Piercing the opposing defense with well-felt throws, he exudes a rare serenity for a first-year quarterback. He even had the luxury of completing 12 consecutive passes and returned to the locker room with an impeccable record: 17/19, 192 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Atlanta dark, Cousins is put on the bench
Returning from the locker room, the situation gets even darker for the Falcons. Kirk Cousins narrowly missed being intercepted on his first drive, then was indeed intercepted by Cody Barton on the second. Unable to score any more points, he was even replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr. (2/4, 24 yards) in the middle of the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the rookie is still too soft and cannot do better than his elder brother. Nothing to disrupt Denver's attack on the other side of the field. Bo Nix continues to play his football and offers a touchdown to two more of his receivers. Troy Franklin (2 receptions, 15 yards, 1 touchdown) on a copy of Marvin Mims Jr.'s action first. Lil'Jordan Humphrey (4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 touchdown) on a 41-yard pass next. End of hostilities, 38-6 Denver.
