Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats

On October 17, 2024, the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats in a Thursday Night Football clash at the Caesars Superdome. The game, which ended with a decisive 33-10 victory for the Broncos, was a showcase of defensive dominance, a strong rushing attack, and a few standout individual performances. For football fans, diving into the player stats from this game offers a clear picture of how the Broncos pulled off the win and why the Saints struggled. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight top performers, and provide an easy-to-read table summarizing the game’s numbers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the matchup, this guide is designed to be clear, engaging, and accessible for all ages.

Game Overview: A One-Sided Affair

The Denver Broncos, led by head coach Sean Payton, returned to New Orleans, where Payton coached the Saints for 15 seasons. The emotional weight of the game was palpable, especially with former Saints quarterback Drew Brees being honored at halftime for his induction into the Saints’ Hall of Fame. However, on the field, the Broncos dominated, improving their record to 4-3, while the Saints fell to 2-5, marking their fifth straight loss.

The Broncos leaned heavily on their running game and defense, racking up 389 total yards compared to the Saints’ 271. Denver’s defense was relentless, pressuring rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and forcing two fumbles, one of which resulted in a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Saints’ offense struggled without key players like Derek Carr, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed, managing just 10 points, with their lone touchdown coming in garbage time.

Let’s dive into the player stats to see who stood out and how the numbers tell the story of this game.

Key Player Stats: Denver Broncos

Quarterback: Bo Nix

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix didn’t light up the stat sheet with his passing but played a clean, efficient game, which was exactly what the Broncos needed. Nix completed 16 of his 29 passes for 164 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. His passer rating was 79.6, reflecting a solid but unspectacular performance through the air. Where Nix shined was with his legs, rushing for 75 yards on 10 carries, including several key scrambles that kept drives alive. His ability to avoid turnovers and contribute on the ground was a big factor in Denver’s control of the game.

Running Back: Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams was the star of the Broncos’ offense, delivering a standout performance. He carried the ball 14 times for 88 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and scored two rushing touchdowns (8 yards and 5 yards). Williams also added 23 receiving yards on three catches, totaling 111 yards from scrimmage. His physical running style and ability to break tackles helped Denver dominate time of possession (33:16 compared to the Saints’ 26:44).

Wide Receiver: Troy Franklin

Rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin led the Broncos in receiving, hauling in five catches for 50 yards. While he didn’t find the end zone, Franklin’s receptions were crucial in moving the chains, especially on third downs. His chemistry with Nix, his former college teammate at Oregon, was evident, and he’s emerging as a reliable target in Denver’s passing game.

Tight End: Lucas Krull

Lucas Krull, a former Saint, had a career day against his old team. He caught three passes for 41 yards, including a key 23-yard reception that set up a scoring drive. Krull’s performance was a reminder of the depth in Denver’s offense, even if the passing game wasn’t the focal point.

Defense: Cody Barton and Justin Strnad

The Broncos’ defense was the real MVP of the game. Linebacker Cody Barton was all over the field, recording a strip-sack on Spencer Rattler and returning a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game. Barton’s stat line included six tackles, one sack, and the defensive score. Linebacker Justin Strnad also had a strong game, leading the team with six solo tackles and one sack. The defense as a whole generated 14 quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds), tied for the most in any game that season, and sacked Rattler six times.

Kicker: Wil Lutz

Former Saints kicker Wil Lutz had a revenge game of his own, drilling four field goals (32, 38, 46, and 52 yards) to account for 12 of Denver’s points. Lutz’s accuracy was crucial, as the Broncos struggled in the red zone but still managed to build a comfortable lead thanks to his leg.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Saints

Quarterback: Spencer Rattler

Rookie Spencer Rattler, making his second career start, faced a tough challenge against Denver’s top-ranked defense. He completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards, with no touchdowns and a passer rating of 82.1. Rattler showed some mobility, rushing for 34 yards on five carries, but his two fumbles—both forced by the Broncos’ defense—were costly. One fumble led to a field goal, and the other was returned for a touchdown. Rattler was sacked six times, highlighting the pressure he faced all night.

Quarterback: Jake Haener

With Rattler shaken up late in the game, backup Jake Haener stepped in and provided a small spark. He completed three of four passes for 38 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. in the fourth quarter. While it was too little, too late, Haener’s brief appearance showed some promise.

Running Back: Kendre Miller

With Alvin Kamara limited by injuries and a heavy workload, Kendre Miller led the Saints’ rushing attack. He carried the ball six times for 36 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Miller’s explosiveness was a bright spot, but the Saints’ offense couldn’t sustain drives to give him more opportunities.

Running Back: Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara, the Saints’ star running back, had a quiet night, managing just 10 yards on seven carries and 14 yards on two receptions. Denver’s defense keyed in on Kamara, limiting his impact and forcing Rattler to carry the load in the passing game.

Wide Receiver: Cedrick Wilson Jr.

Cedrick Wilson Jr. was the Saints’ leading receiver, catching six passes for 57 yards, including the team’s only touchdown. His 12-yard score in the fourth quarter came with Haener at quarterback, but it was little consolation in a lopsided loss.

Tight End: Juwan Johnson

Tight end Juwan Johnson had a modest impact, catching three passes for 39 yards. With the Saints missing their top receivers, Johnson was a safety valve for Rattler but couldn’t generate enough big plays to turn the tide.

Defense: Limited Impact

The Saints’ defense struggled mightily, allowing 225 rushing yards and failing to generate any turnovers. Veteran defensive back Tyrann Mathieu had a chance for an interception but dropped a pass from Nix, a missed opportunity that could have shifted momentum. The defense’s inability to stop Denver’s run game or pressure Nix consistently was a major factor in the loss.

Kicker: Blake Grupe

Kicker Blake Grupe was responsible for the Saints’ only points in the first three quarters, hitting a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter. His limited opportunities reflected the offense’s struggles to move the ball.

Team Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Comparison

Here’s a quick look at the team stats that shaped the game:

The Broncos’ dominance in rushing yards and time of possession, combined with their defensive pressure, made it a long night for the Saints. Denver’s ability to avoid turnovers (outside of one fumble) and capitalize on New Orleans’ mistakes was the difference-maker.

Standout Moments and Takeaways

1. Broncos’ Rushing Attack: Denver’s 225 rushing yards, led by Williams and Nix, overwhelmed the Saints’ defense. The offensive line opened massive holes, and the running game controlled the clock.

2. Defensive Pressure: The Broncos’ defense, even without star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, was relentless. Six sacks and 14 quick pressures disrupted Rattler’s rhythm and forced critical mistakes.

3. Saints’ Injury Woes: New Orleans was without key players like Derek Carr, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and several offensive linemen. The lack of firepower was evident, as the offense couldn’t sustain drives until the game was out of reach.

4. Emotional Context: Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans added a layer of intrigue, and the Broncos’ players clearly wanted to win for their coach. The game was also a homecoming for Wil Lutz and other former Saints, who made their presence felt.

5. Saints’ Struggles Continue: The loss marked New Orleans’ fifth straight defeat, a rare skid for a franchise that had only two home losses by 20+ points during Payton’s 15-year tenure. The team’s defensive regression and offensive injuries are major concerns.

Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Table

Below is a detailed table summarizing the key player stats from the Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints game on October 17, 2024:

Why This Game Matters

For the Broncos, this win was a statement. Despite not being perfect offensively, they showed they can win with a balanced attack and a stifling defense. The victory moved them to 4-3, keeping them in the playoff hunt in the competitive AFC West. For the Saints, the loss highlighted deeper issues. Injuries have decimated the roster, and the defense, once a strength, has been porous in recent weeks. With a tough schedule ahead, including a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans faces an uphill battle to turn their season around.

Looking Ahead

The Broncos return home to face the Carolina Panthers on October 27, where they’ll look to build on this performance. The Saints, meanwhile, head to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers, hoping to snap their losing streak. Both teams will need to address their weaknesses—red zone efficiency for Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats—if they want to make a postseason push.

Final Thoughts

The Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. Denver’s physicality and defensive prowess overwhelmed a depleted Saints squad, and the player stats reflect that dominance. Javonte Williams’ two touchdowns, Cody Barton’s game-changing fumble return, and Wil Lutz’s perfect kicking led the way for the Broncos, while the Saints struggled to find any rhythm. This matchup will be remembered as much for its emotional context—Sean Payton’s return and Drew Brees’ honor—as for the lopsided scoreline.