Broncos vs. Chiefs Week 13 Matchup Flexed to SNF; Replaces 49ers vs. Seahawks
Nov 23, 2021
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The Week 13 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos has been flexed to Sunday Night Football, per Field Yates of ESPN.
The Seattle Seahawks were previously scheduled to host the prime-time game against the San Francisco 49ers, but that game will be moved to 4:25 p.m. ET.
The change comes after the Seahawks suffered their second straight loss since the return of Russell Wilson, falling to 3-7 on the season and likely out of playoff contention. The 49ers (5-5) have won two straight games but still sit in just third place in the NFC West.
The Seahawks are already scheduled to play their fourth prime-time game of the season on Monday night this week against the Washington Football Team.
Kansas City, meanwhile, has regained its form after some struggles earlier in the season. Last year's Super Bowl runner-ups started 3-4 but have won four straight games to move into first place in the AFC West.
Patrick Mahomes created some question marks with his play earlier in the year, but he currently leads the NFL with 3,200 passing yards and has 25 passing touchdowns through 11 games.
With a bye in Week 12, the Chiefs will try to keep their momentum heading into Week 13.
Denver is returning from its Week 11 bye to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, hoping to get back over .500 to stay in contention in the AFC.
It will be just the second prime-time game for the Broncos in 2021 after a Thursday night loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
Courtland Sutton, Broncos Reportedly Agree to 4-Year, $60.8M Contract Extension
Nov 22, 2021
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Empower Field at Mile High on November 14, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos have agreed to a four-year extension with receiver Courtland Sutton worth up to $60.8 million, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The deal features $34.9 million in guaranteed money.
Sutton was set to become a free agent after the season, the final year of his rookie deal. The 26-year-old leads the Broncos with 43 catches for 617 yards through 10 games in 2021, adding two touchdowns.
The 2018 second-round draft pick earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2019 when he finished with 72 catches for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns. A torn ACL ended his 2020 campaign after he'd played just one game, but he has bounced back strong this season.
Denver also signed fellow receiver Tim Patrick to a three-year extension Saturday, while 2020 first-round pick Jerry Jeudy is under team control through 2024.
Along with tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, the passing attack has a lot of options for Teddy Bridgewater or any other quarterback who fills the role in 2022.
One concern could be Sutton's production alongside Jeudy, even with a small sample size.
Jeudy has played only four games this season because of an ankle injury, but he has been the top option. Sutton has totaled six catches for 92 yards on 12 targets with both in the lineup.
The Broncos apparently think the two can coexist after locking down Sutton on a long-term deal.
At $15.2 million per year, Sutton will rank 14th among NFL receivers in average annual salary in 2022, per Spotrac.
Tim Patrick, Broncos Reportedly Agree to 3-Year, $30 Million Contract Extension
Nov 19, 2021
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Denver Broncos and wide receiver Tim Patrick have reportedly agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract extension ($34.5 million max value) with $18.5 million guaranteed, per Mike Klis of 9News.
Per sources, Broncos are finalizing a three-year contract extension with WR Tim Patrick. What a great American story of redemption. Rough family upbringing, oft-injured in college, undrafted, cut 3 times. Has become Broncos most dependable receiver the past 3 years. #9sports
Patrick, who will turn 28 years old on Tuesday, has caught 37 passes for 523 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games this season.
One of Patrick's best games this season came in Week 3, when he caught five passes for a season-high 98 yards in a 26-0 win over the New York Jets.
ESPN's Jeff Legwold detailed part of the veteran's NFL journey shortly after that performance:
He also suffered a fractured leg during his college career at Utah that was so serious it kept him off the field for 18 months. He missed three games during his final year with the Utes because of another injury. He did not receive an NFL combine invite, went undrafted and was "always battling to stay with a team," he said.
The Baltimore Ravens signed Patrick as an undrafted free agent in May 2017, but they waived him July 30. The San Francisco 49ers picked him up one day later, but he did not make the team out of training camp.
Denver inked Patrick to its practice squad that October but released him less than a month later. The team then signed him to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 1, 2018.
That turned out to be a wise decision. Patrick blossomed last year with 51 catches for 742 yards and six touchdowns. His services were sorely needed after Courtland Sutton suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This season, Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 against the New York Giants and missed six games, forcing Patrick into the spotlight yet again. Patrick leads the team in receiving scores with four.
Now he has landed a well-deserved long-term extension, meaning he, Jeudy and fellow wideout KJ Hamler are all signed with Denver through at least 2023.
The Broncos are on their bye this week. They'll return in Week 12 with a home matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 28.
Teddy Bridgewater Explains Not Making Play on Darius Slay's Fumble Return for TD
Nov 15, 2021
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
During the Denver Broncos' 30-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Eagles cornerback Darius Slay had a game-changing 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown at the end of the third quarter.
While Slay ran toward the end zone, he ran past Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who appeared not to make an effort to try to tackle him. Bridgewater explained the play from his vantage point.
"As I see a guy trying for the block, and I'm just thinking, hey man, I got to force the ball back inside so one of our guys could make the tackle," Bridgewater told reporters after the game.
Bridgewater completed 22 of 36 passes for 226 yards with no touchdowns in the loss. It was his fourth straight game passing for less than 250 yards.
Denver fell behind early but got on the board when Melvin Gordon III punched in a one-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. It turned out to be the only time the Broncos would reach the end zone. After Denver kicker Brandon McManus tied the game with a 21-yard field goal, the Eagles rattled off 10 straight points to take a 20-10 lead into halftime.
The Broncos started the second half with a drive all the way to the Eagles' 4-yard line but had to settle for a 22-yard field goal attempt by McManus that was blocked by safety K'Von Wallace. McManus added another field goal on the team's next possession to make it a one-score game.
Momentum looked to be on Denver's side when safety Justin Simmons intercepted a pass by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Broncos drove down to the Philadelphia 23-yard line before Gordon coughed up the ball, leading to Slay's game-sealing touchdown return.
After starting the season 3-0, the Broncos are now 5-5 heading into their bye week. They will return to action on Nov. 28 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos Beat Cowboys in 1st Game Since Von Miller Trade
Nov 7, 2021
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 07: Melvin Gordon #25 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos might have been sellers at the trade deadline, but the remaining players have clearly not given up on the season.
Teddy Bridgewater led the Broncos to a 30-16 Week 9 upset over the Dallas Cowboys. The quarterback had both a passing and rushing touchdown Sunday on the road at AT&T Stadium, while Denver totaled 190 rushing yards in the win.
Dak Prescott completed just 48.7 percent of his passes in his return from a calf injury that kept him out of Week 8. The offense also went 0-of-4 on fourth downs as it couldn't get much going in the loss.
Denver took advantage with a 16-0 lead at halftime, continuing the production with an onslaught in the second half to go up 30-0. Prescott threw two touchdown passes in the final five minutes to make the score respectable, but it was overall a dominant showing from the Broncos.
The surprising performance came less than a week after Denver traded veteran linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams. The Broncos (5-4) showed they still have plenty to offer as they remain in contention in the AFC.
It was the first loss for the Cowboys (6-2) since Week 1 after a stretch of six straight wins.
The Broncos had eight carries for 50 yards on that drive. Javonte Williams with runs of 11 and 20 yards to kickstart an offense that had been going nowhere to that point.
Fans have wanted more touches for Williams, but this game showed both can be effective in the same game to help the offense.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys Offense Struggles in Losing Effort
After missing one game, Prescott returned to the field in Week 9. You might not have noticed from the way the offense ran with him Sunday.
The unit was completely out of sorts in the first half:
Cowboys are just off. Dak missing targets, Pollard dropping a ball, Lamb on cruise control before turning it on too late on deep throw, Diggs getting outbattled, linebackers out of position on run. Anything else?
The last time Cowboys were shut out in first half: Oct. 6, 2019. vs. Packers. Mike McCarthy is enjoying it less this time. Fewest first-half yards for Dallas since 92 vs. Seahawks on Sept. 23, 2018. https://t.co/BZ6itnSwVI
The Cowboys got the ball into Broncos territory in each of the first two drives, but they were stopped on fourth down each time.
The rest of the first half featured short possessions and a lot of punting on the way to a 16-0 deficit.
Things didn't improve much in the second half, as even a big Cowboys special teams play didn't end up going the team's way:
Malik Turner’s punt block turns into a first down for the Broncos. Since Nashon Wright of the Cowboys touched the ball past the line of scrimmage, and Denver recovered, Denver has a first down.
Prescott found a little bit of success after already trailing 30-0, padding his stats with two touchdowns to Malik Turner in garbage time. It was still a miserable effort for a team that entered the day ranked third in the NFL in points per game and first in yards per game.
What's Next?
The Broncos will play their third straight game against an NFC East opponent with a home game in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys will host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) looks to throw against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The New Orleans Saints reportedly considered bringing Teddy Bridgewater back.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Saints were among the teams that reached out to the Denver Broncos about a potential trade involving Bridgewater prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. However, Denver did not consider trading its starting quarterback, especially since it is still in playoff contention in the AFC.
Von Miller wasn’t the only #Broncos veteran who drew interest before last week’s trade deadline. They also had inquiries about Teddy Bridgewater — including from the #Saints — but never considered dealing their starting QB. @NFLGameDay@nflnetworkpic.twitter.com/KBVUEHLcom
It is not particularly surprising that New Orleans was interested in a quarterback.
After all, Jameis Winston is out with an ACL injury, and Taysom Hill has not played since Oct. 3 because of concussion protocol. However, Hill is expected to play during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons even though Trevor Siemian will start under center.
Siemian entered last Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Winston exited with the injury and went 16-of-29 passing for 159 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. The Northwestern product has also played for the Broncos and New York Jets in his career and threw for 3,401 yards in Denver during the 2016 campaign.
A trade for Bridgewater would have brought the Louisville product back to New Orleans.
The 2015 Pro Bowler played for the Saints in 2018 and 2019 and went 5-0 as a starter while filling in for Drew Brees during that latter campaign. The 2014 first-round pick completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 1,384 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions that year.
Still, the Broncos are 4-4 and just a half-game behind the Los Angeles Chargers in the race for the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC.
Trading Bridgewater, who turns 29 on Wednesday, might have signaled a focus on the future, but the Broncos decided they are eyeing a postseason run.
Broncos GM: 'There Was Uncertainty' About Von Miller Signing New Contract Beyond 2021
Nov 2, 2021
FILE - Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) plays against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, that the Denver Broncos have agreed to trade star linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams for a pair of 2022 draft picks. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
The Denver Broncos made a surprising move Monday when they traded eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams.
Broncos general manager George Paton told reporters Tuesday that "there was uncertainty" regarding Denver's chances of retaining Miller after this year. Miller is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Denver acquired second- and third-round picks in the 2022 draft in the deal. Paton said he turned down offers from other teams because it was important to him to do right by Miller by sending him to a contender.
"We're going to miss Von, but he's always going to be a Bronco," Paton said.
At 4-4, the Broncos are tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for last place in the AFC West. But the division is not out of reach yet, as the Las Vegas Raiders are 5-2 and the Los Angeles Chargers are 4-3. Paton said trading Miller is not a sign that Denver is approaching a rebuild.
Miller was the face of the Broncos franchise during his 11-year career. He leads active NFL players with 110.5 career sacks. After missing the entire 2020 season because of an ankle injury, Miller has bounced back with 19.0 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks through seven games.
"It's still kind of hard to put into words. It's still kind of raw, but thank you, thank everybody, and off to L.A.,'' Miller said Monday.
The Broncos will be on the road Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, while the Rams will face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday night. Miller said he hopes to be able to make his Los Angeles debut in the game.
Von Miller Rumors: Cowboys, Bills Had Interest in Ex-Broncos Star Before Rams Trade
Nov 2, 2021
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Before the Los Angeles Rams acquired Von Miller, at least two other playoff contenders made an inquiry to the Denver Broncos.
The Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills had interest in the eight-time Pro Bowler, per Peter Schrager of Fox Sports (h/t Sosa Kremenjas of Pro Football Focus),
The Rams announced on Monday they sent a second- and third-round draft pick in 2022 to the Broncos in exchange for Miller.
The L.A. Rams, Dallas and Buffalo have clearly established themselves as Super Bowl contenders this season.
Based on team sack totals, the Cowboys (6-1) seemed to have the greatest need for Miller's particular skill set. They are tied for 28th in the NFL with 12 sacks, led by Randy Gregory with five.
Things look better for the Cowboys defensive line using ESPN's pass-rushing win-rate metric. They are tied for ninth in that category at 44 percent.
The Rams lead the NFL in sacks (25) and are third in pass-rushing win rate at 52 percent. The Bills (5-2) rank 17th in pass-rushing win rate (41 percent) and are tied for 20th in sacks (16).
Per Pro Football Focus, Miller ranks seventh among edge defenders in overall grade (85.6) and 11th in total pressures (28).
The 32-year-old has slowed down after a strong start to the season. He recorded seven quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks in the Broncos' first four games. The 2011 No. 2 overall draft pick out of Texas A&M only has two quarterback hits and no sacks in the past three games.
Moving to the Rams and playing with Aaron Donald should open up more opportunities for Miller to get after opposing quarterbacks.
The Rams (7-1) are tied with the Arizona Cardinals atop the NFC West. Their move to acquire Miller is a clear indication that they are taking advantage of their window to win a Super Bowl this season.
Rams' Sean McVay on Von Miller Being on Trade Market: 'You’ve Got to Be S--tting Me'
Nov 2, 2021
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was surprised when informed that then-Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller was available on the trade block.
According to ProFootballTalk's Charean Williams, when asked about his reaction, McVay said: "'You've got to be s--tting me!' That's what I said. I'm like, 'No way.' I was very surprised that this was a possibility, and I was glad we were able to get it done."
The Rams made a potentially impactful move Monday, trading 2022 second- and third-round picks to the Broncos in exchange for Miller.
In Miller, the Rams added one of the best pass-rushers of the past decade and showed the rest of the NFL they are all-in on to chasing a Super Bowl.
The 32-year-old Miller was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, and he earned eight Pro Bowl and three First Team All-Pro nods, in addition to being named 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and winning a Super Bowl in 2015.
Miller has 4.5 sacks in seven games this season and 110.5 career sacks in 142 regular-season games, including seven seasons with 10 or more sacks.
Since sacks became an official stat in 1982, Miller is 23rd on the all-time list and first among active players under contract.
Miller also has 26 career forced fumbles, putting him 34th all time and tied for third among active, contracted players.
One of the biggest factors in L.A. acquiring Miller may have been his postseason track record, as he has recorded 6.5 sacks in seven playoff games, including five during the Broncos' run to the Super Bowl in 2015.
Regarding what Miller brings to the table, McVay said:
"He brings an element. Obviously an incredibly unique football player that not only is a great pass-rusher, but he's a complete football player that can really affect and influence an offense in a negative way on all three downs. You can utilize him in a variety of different ways."
In Los Angeles, Miller will join a Rams defense that is already among the most talented in the league.
The Rams boast a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Aaron Donald, arguably the best cornerback in the NFL in Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Leonard Floyd, who had a career-high 10.5 sacks last season and has 6.5 sacks in eight games this season.
Los Angeles was already considered a strong Super Bowl contender thanks to the offseason acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford, and that is only strengthened by the addition of Miller.
The Rams own a 7-1 record, which ties them with the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West lead and the best record in the NFC.
L.A. is first in the NFL in sacks with 25, and Miller figures to help keep the Rams on top in that regard and near the top in their pursuit of a championship.
Rams, Broncos' Updated 2022 NFL Draft Picks After Reported Von Miller Trade
Nov 1, 2021
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller walks off the field after an injury during the first half of the team's NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Von Miller's Hall of Fame tenure with the Denver Broncos is over.
The Broncos agreed to trade their star pass-rusher to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday in exchange for a second- and third-round picks in the 2022 draft, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The move is seemingly an acknowledgement from the Broncos that their playoff aspirations will wait for another year, while the Rams continued their all-in push for veteran players.
Rams' Updated 2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: traded to Lions Round 2: traded to Broncos Round 3: traded to Broncos, compensatory pick for Lions hiring Brad Holmes as general manager. Round 4: traded to Texans, projected compensatory pick Round 5: own Round 6: traded to Patriots, 3 projected compensatory picks Round 7: own, Dolphins
Broncos' Updated 2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: own Round 2: own, Rams Round 3: own, Rams Round 4: own Round 5: own, Lions, Round 6: traded to 49ers Round 7: own, 49ers, Lions
The Rams have taken unprecedented steps in building a Super Bowl-caliber roster, regularly jettisoning high draft picks in favor of proven veterans. They have not had a first-round pick since selecting Jared Goff in 2016. The team has instead used picks to add Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey and Goff's replacement, Matthew Stafford.
While Los Angeles may ultimately pay for its all-in team building down the line, it's hard to argue with the immediate results. The Rams are 7-1 after Sunday's win over the Houston Texans and have emerged as a Super Bowl threat in a loaded NFC crowd.
Adding Miller is a situation where the rich are getting richer, with the Rams already leading the NFL in sacks.
Miller is also a free agent after this season, putting even more pressure on the Rams to bring a ring back to Los Angeles.
