November 18th 2024.
As the most experienced player in the Denver wide receiver group, Courtland Sutton is always excited to see the younger guys get their chance to shine. And that's exactly what happened in the Broncos' dominant 38-6 win over the Falcons on Sunday, as rookie Devaughn Vele had a breakout performance.
Vele, a seventh-round pick out of Utah, had four catches for 66 yards, showing off his potential as a reliable target for quarterback Bo Nix. This was the second time this season that Vele has recorded over 60 receiving yards in a game, and his teammate Sutton couldn't be happier for him.
"I've seen his potential since day one, and it's been a joy to watch him step up and become a key player for our team," Sutton said of Vele. "His future is definitely bright."
Vele wasted no time making an impact, with a 14-yard reception on Denver's first scoring drive. He continued to make big plays throughout the game, including a 33-yard catch in the second quarter. It's worth noting that Vele thrives in the middle of the field, with three catches for 21 yards in the seams and two catches for 18 yards between the hashes, according to NFL's Next Gen Stats.
With 281 receiving yards, Vele has the second-highest total on the team this season. And when Nix targets him, he has an impressive 113.7 rating. Broncos head coach Sean Payton praised Vele's growth and credited his increased opportunities for his success.
Another standout player on the Broncos' defense was edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who recorded two sacks against the Falcons. This brings his season total to nine, after not recording any in the first two games. Payton attributes this to Bonitto's increased playing time and improved strength.
"He's a handful for opposing teams and has been a key player for us on third downs and in other situations," Payton said.
The Broncos' defense also had to make do without starting safety Brandon Jones, who was inactive due to an abdomen injury. He was replaced by Devon Key, who started alongside P.J. Locke. Payton acknowledged that there were some early mix-ups due to injuries, but overall, the defense performed well in Jones' absence.
On the offensive side, Sutton continued his impressive streak of 70-plus receiving yards in four consecutive games, bringing in seven catches for 78 yards against the Falcons. This marks a turnaround for Sutton, who did not reach this mark in the first seven games of the season.
As for the rest of the team, the Broncos had a few notable inactives, including Jones, tight end Greg Dulcich, and offensive linemen Frank Crum and Calvin Throckmorton. However, they did elevate safety Keidron Smith and inside linebacker Zach Cunningham from the practice squad for the game.
It's clear that the Broncos have a strong and resilient team, with players stepping up to fill in for injuries and making big plays when given the opportunity. This is a promising sign for the rest of the season, and fans can expect more exciting performances from this talented team. To stay updated on all things Broncos, sign up for the Broncos Insider for exclusive NFL analysis.
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