In a commanding performance, Bo Nix threw for 307 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, leading the Denver Broncos to a decisive 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Nix completed 28 of 33 passes, becoming only the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to achieve over 200 passing yards and two or more touchdowns in four straight home games, with the first being Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
With this win, the Broncos improved their record to 6-5, ending a two-game losing streak. The game was particularly tough for Justin Simmons, the Falcons’ safety, who spent eight seasons with Denver before moving to Atlanta last year after the Broncos cut his $18.5 million salary. Simmons, now on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million with Atlanta, contributed five tackles during the game.
One of the highlights came when Javonte Williams found his way into the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown, pushing through a crowded line of players to give the Broncos a quick 14-3 lead. Nix’s success continued as he connected on two 12-yard touchdown passes—one to tight end Nate Adkins and another to speedy wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.—which helped Denver build a 21-6 lead by halftime. After the break, another rookie, Troy Franklin, scored on a 7-yard pass from Nix, bringing the score to 28-6. The quarterback finished his day with a 41-yard touchdown pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, sealing the game at 38-6.
In an effort to rally, Falcons coach Raheem Morris replaced starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had thrown for 173 yards without a touchdown, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. Penix managed to complete a 20-yard pass to Ray-Ray McCloud III while finishing with 24 yards on 2 of 4 passing.
The Falcons’ scoring came from first-half field goals of 41 and 51 yards courtesy of Younghoe Koo, who had struggled last week with three misses in a close loss to the Saints. This defeat marked the Falcons’ second consecutive loss, as they fell to 6-5.
Kaden Elliss recorded nine tackles for Atlanta, but his brother Jonah Elliss stole the spotlight with a critical sack for Denver in the third quarter, along with a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.
Injuries affected both teams, with Falcons cornerback Kevin King leaving with a concussion and wide receiver Darnell Mooney suffering a hamstring injury. Before the game, Atlanta ruled out eight players, including key defensive starters. The Broncos also faced injury issues, losing safety Brandon Jones to an abdominal injury, who was replaced by Devon Key.
Looking ahead, the Falcons will host the Los Angeles Chargers on December 1 after their bye week, while the Broncos will travel to Las Vegas next Sunday.
