The Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats faced off in a thrilling Thursday Night Football game on October 17, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The game ended with a decisive 33-10 victory for the Broncos, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball. For fans of the NFL, particularly those following the Broncos and Saints, understanding the player stats from this game provides insight into what went right, what went wrong, and who stood out. In this article, we’ll break down the key player performances, team stats, and pivotal moments that defined this Week 7 matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the game, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Game Overview: A One-Sided Affair
The Denver Broncos (4-3) entered the game with a balanced record, looking to gain momentum in the AFC West. The New Orleans Saints (2-5), on the other hand, were reeling from a four-game losing streak and were severely hampered by injuries to key players like quarterback Derek Carr and wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. The game, which marked the return of former Saints head coach Sean Payton to New Orleans, was a homecoming for Payton, who led the Broncos to a commanding win.
The final score of 33-10 reflected the Broncos’ ability to control the game from start to finish. They outgained the Saints 389 yards to 271, dominated time of possession (33:16 to 26:44), and capitalized on New Orleans’ mistakes, including two turnovers. Let’s dive into the player stats and see who made the difference.
Broncos’ Key Performers
Bo Nix (Quarterback)
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix didn’t light up the stat sheet with his passing but showed poise and versatility. He completed 16 of 27 passes for 164 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, earning a passer rating of 79.6. What stood out was his contribution on the ground, rushing for 75 yards on 10 carries. Nix’s ability to escape pressure and keep drives alive with his legs was a game-changer. While he missed some throws and the Broncos settled for field goals in the red zone, Nix played a clean game, avoiding turnovers and managing the offense effectively.
Javonte Williams (Running Back)
Javonte Williams was the star of the Broncos’ offense, powering their dominant rushing attack. He carried the ball 14 times for 88 yards, scoring two touchdowns (one from 8 yards and another from 5 yards). Williams also added 23 receiving yards on 3 catches, totaling 111 yards from scrimmage. His physical running style exploited massive holes created by the Broncos’ offensive line, and his two scores were critical in building Denver’s lead.
Troy Franklin (Wide Receiver)
Rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin led the Broncos in receiving, hauling in 5 catches for 50 yards. While the passing game wasn’t the focal point, Franklin’s ability to get open provided Nix with a reliable target. His performance hints at his potential as a key piece in Denver’s passing attack moving forward.
Wil Lutz (Kicker)
Former Saints kicker Wil Lutz, now with the Broncos, had a perfect night, making all four of his field goal attempts (32, 38, 46, and 52 yards). His accuracy kept points on the board, especially in the first half when Denver’s offense struggled to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Lutz’s performance was a subtle jab at his former team, showcasing his reliability in a high-pressure environment.
Cody Barton (Linebacker)
Defensively, Cody Barton was a standout for the Broncos. He recorded a strip-sack on Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, recovered a fumble, and returned a deflected pass 52 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game. Barton’s all-over-the-field performance included 6 solo tackles and was a major reason the Saints’ offense couldn’t find a rhythm.
Justin Strnad (Linebacker)
Linebacker Justin Strnad also made his presence felt, recording a sack and 6 solo tackles. The Broncos’ defense, ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed entering the game, overwhelmed the Saints with 14 quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds), per Next Gen Stats. Strnad’s contribution was part of a collective effort that saw 12 different Broncos players record a sack this season.
Team Rushing Dominance
The Broncos’ rushing attack was relentless, totaling 225 yards. Alongside Williams and Nix, running backs like Audric Estime contributed, though he had a fumble that was recovered by the Saints. The ground game’s success was a testament to Denver’s strategy of leaning on the run to control the clock and wear down a depleted Saints defense.
Saints’ Key Performers
Spencer Rattler (Quarterback)
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, making his second career start in place of the injured Derek Carr, struggled against Denver’s fierce defense. He completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards, with no touchdowns and a passer rating of 82.1. Rattler also rushed for 34 yards but lost two fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Barton. He was sacked six times, including a strip-sack by Barton and another by Nik Bonitto, who extended his streak to five consecutive games with a sack. Rattler showed flashes of potential but was overwhelmed by Denver’s pressure and his own mistakes.
Jake Haener (Quarterback)
With Rattler shaken up after his second fumble, backup quarterback Jake Haener entered in the fourth quarter. He provided a small spark, completing 3 of 4 passes for 38 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. While it was too little, too late, Haener’s brief appearance was a rare bright spot for the Saints’ offense.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Wide Receiver)
With Olave and Shaheed sidelined, Cedrick Wilson Jr. stepped up as the Saints’ leading receiver, catching 6 passes for 57 yards and the team’s only touchdown. His 12-yard score in the fourth quarter gave Saints fans something to cheer about, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
Kendre Miller (Running Back)
Running back Kendre Miller led the Saints’ ground game with 36 yards on 6 carries. However, the Saints’ rushing attack was limited to 97 yards overall, as Alvin Kamara was held to 40 yards on 13 carries. The absence of Taysom Hill, listed as doubtful, further limited New Orleans’ offensive versatility.
Blake Grupe (Kicker)
Kicker Blake Grupe made a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter, accounting for the Saints’ only points until the fourth quarter. His consistency was one of the few positives for New Orleans in an otherwise dismal performance.
Defensive Struggles
The Saints’ defense, once a strength, was exposed for the second straight week. They allowed 225 rushing yards and failed to generate momentum-turning plays. Veteran defensive back Tyrann Mathieu dropped a potential interception that could have shifted the game’s momentum, and the unit struggled to tackle, as noted by analyst Richard Sherman during the broadcast. The defense’s inability to stop Denver’s run game or pressure Nix consistently was a major factor in the blowout.
Team Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Comparison
|
Stat |
Denver Broncos |
New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
389 | 271 |
|
Passing Yards |
164 | 210 |
|
Rushing Yards |
225 | 97 |
|
First Downs |
22 | 15 |
|
Turnovers |
1 | 2 |
|
Possession Time |
33:16 | 26:44 |
|
Sacks |
6 | 0 |
|
Penalties |
6 for 50 yards |
4 for 30 yards |
The Broncos’ dominance in total yards, rushing yards, and time of possession highlights their control of the game. Their defense’s ability to sack Rattler six times and force two turnovers was pivotal, while the Saints’ offense struggled to sustain drives, converting only 4 of 12 third downs.
Key Moments That Defined the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats
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Early Fumble Sets the Tone: In the first quarter, Cody Barton strip-sacked Spencer Rattler, and the fumble was recovered by former Saint Kwon Alexander at the 50-yard line. This led to a 32-yard field goal by Wil Lutz, giving Denver an early 6-0 lead.
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Javonte Williams’ First Touchdown: Early in the second quarter, Williams powered in for an 8-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 13-0. This score showcased Denver’s ability to exploit the Saints’ struggling run defense.
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Saints’ Lone Field Goal: Blake Grupe’s 35-yard field goal in the second quarter cut the deficit to 13-3, but it was the only sign of life from New Orleans’ offense in the first half.
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Wil Lutz’s Long-Range Accuracy: Lutz’s 52-yard field goal just before halftime gave Denver a 16-3 lead, deflating the Saints’ momentum going into the break.
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Williams’ Second Score: In the third quarter, Williams struck again with a 5-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 26-3 and putting the game out of reach.
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Cody Barton’s Pick-Six: Barton’s 52-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, off a deflected Rattler pass, was the final nail in the coffin, making the score 33-3.
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Saints’ Garbage-Time Touchdown: Jake Haener’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. in the final minutes brought the score to 33-10, but the game was already decided.
Why the Broncos Won
The Broncos’ victory was a masterclass in executing a straightforward game plan:
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Run the Ball: Denver’s 225 rushing yards overwhelmed a Saints defense that entered the game ranked last in total defense. Javonte Williams and Bo Nix capitalized on massive holes created by the offensive line.
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Defensive Pressure: The Broncos’ defense, missing star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, still generated 14 quick pressures and six sacks, disrupting Rattler’s rhythm and forcing turnovers.
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Field Position and Clock Control: Denver’s ability to sustain drives and dominate time of possession kept the Saints’ offense off the field and limited their opportunities to mount a comeback.
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Error-Free Football: Bo Nix’s turnover-free performance and Wil Lutz’s perfect kicking ensured the Broncos maximized their scoring chances.
Why the Saints Lost
The Saints’ performance was marred by several factors:
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Injuries: The absence of Derek Carr, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and others left the offense shorthanded. Rookie receivers Bub Means and Mason Tipton, along with tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, couldn’t fill the void.
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Defensive Collapse: The Saints’ defense, once a strength, failed to stop the run or generate pressure, allowing Denver to dictate the game’s pace.
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Turnovers and Mistakes: Spencer Rattler’s two fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown, were costly. The offense’s inability to convert on third downs (4 of 12) and sustain drives further compounded their issues.
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Lack of Energy: As noted by analysts, the Saints’ defense appeared disengaged, with poor tackling and missed opportunities like Tyrann Mathieu’s dropped interception.
What’s Next for Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Both Teams?
For the Broncos, the win improved their record to 4-3, their best start after seven games since 2016. They’ll face the Carolina Panthers at home on October 27, a winnable game that could keep their momentum going. However, tougher tests against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs loom, and Sean Payton will need to address the team’s red-zone efficiency to compete with elite offenses.
For the Saints, the loss dropped them to 2-5, extending their losing streak to five games. They’ll visit the Los Angeles Chargers on October 27, hoping to snap the skid. With injuries piling up and the defense struggling, head coach Dennis Allen faces mounting pressure to turn things around. The return of key players like Carr and Hill could provide a boost, but the team’s lack of cohesion is a major concern.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
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Javonte Williams (RB, Broncos): Williams’ two-touchdown performance and 111 yards from scrimmage make him a must-start in fantasy lineups, especially against weaker run defenses.
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Bo Nix (QB, Broncos): Nix’s rushing upside adds value in two-QB or superflex leagues, but his lack of passing touchdowns limits his appeal in standard formats.
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Cedrick Wilson Jr. (WR, Saints): With Olave and Shaheed likely out for the next game, Wilson could be a sneaky flex play in deeper leagues, especially if Jake Haener sees more snaps.
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Broncos D/ST: Denver’s defense is a top-tier fantasy option, with 6 sacks and a defensive touchdown in this game. They’re a strong start against the Panthers.
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Spencer Rattler (QB, Saints): Rattler’s struggles make him a risky fantasy play, especially with tough matchups ahead and uncertainty about Carr’s return.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats on October 17, 2024, was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Broncos, led by a strong rushing attack and suffocating defense, showcased their potential as a playoff contender. The Saints, plagued by injuries and defensive woes, hit rock bottom in a blowout loss that left fans emptying the Superdome early. Key performances from Javonte Williams, Cody Barton, and Wil Lutz powered Denver, while the Saints’ lone bright spots were Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Jake Haener’s late touchdown.