Broncos

Randy Gregory, DeShawn Williams and K'Waun Williams are all active for Sunday's game.

The Broncos will also be without offensive lineman Billy Turner, who was a full participant in practice all week but was listed as questionable. Jewell was listed as questionable for the game after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a calf injury. DENVER — The Broncos will be without starting inside linebacker Josey Jewell for the second consecutive week, as the veteran defender was listed among Denver's inactive players for Week 2.

The Denver Broncos will host the Houston Texans in Week 2 action. Here are all the live updates from that game.

Our staff also [submitted their score predictions](https://www.milehighreport.com/2022/9/17/23357490/broncos-texans-score-predictions). [In our weekly Thursday morning post](https://www.milehighreport.com/2022/9/15/23354112/nfl-picks-week-2-ats), we’ll also include the results from MHR’s Yahoo community pick’em group as well. [Denver announced their inactives](https://www.milehighreport.com/2022/9/18/23359596/broncos-texans-inactives-week-2) and the list includes multiple starters. In six quarters, the Broncos would finish 0/6 in the red zone touchdowns. Denver’s offense has seemed out of sync with Wilson starting the game just 2/9 for 32 yards. 3:54 PM MT: The second quarter was more of the same for the Broncos red zone woes. [DraftKings Sportsbook](https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/qqa5?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D341866674%26wpcid%3D163146%26wpcn%3DBlog%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DOdds&pcid=163146&pscn=NFLRegSeason&pcrn=Blog&psn=Vox), I am covering all my picks this year on TallySight. [Denver Broncos](https://www.milehighreport.com) are in must-win mode in Week 2 after dropping their first game in one of the ugliest games we’ve seen from this team in a long time. Not to mention Justin Simmons is on injured reserve for the next four games. The AFC West is just too good for Denver to be stumbling against non-playoff caliber teams. Mile High time at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado and will air on CBS. They must win this game and right the ship early.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain injured his shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Texans.

[left the game](https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/18/jerry-jeudy-injury-update-and-status-nfl-week-2/) in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. The Texans are leading the Broncos 6-3 with 5:38 remaining until halftime. Later, star cornerback Pat Surtain suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter.

The Houston Texans take on the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Follow along with the action here.

8:36 — The Texans got as far as the Broncos’ 6-yard line, but they weren’t able to punch it in. Stingley was injured on the play. 5:50 — The Texans defense forces another Broncos punt, and P Corliss Waitman’s punt goes to the Texans’ 33-yard line; favorable field position. WR Jerry Jeudy was injured on the play. 10:58 — The Broncos were moving the ball pretty well, picking up two first downs, but stalled out third-and-11 at the Houston 48. OLB Randy Gregory tags Pierce, but catches some face mask in the process that the officials miss.

TV channel, NFL best bets, picks for Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans on CBS and Paramount+.

With a game under their belts and the roar of the home crowd behind them, the Broncos should be better equipped to get into the win column this Sunday. The Broncos had two goal-line fumbles on Monday against Seattle that played a huge role in their defeat. Denver is 4-0 against the spread in their last four home games and 6-1 ATS in their last seven Week 2 matchups. [see the NFL picks from SportsLine's advanced computer model](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/texans-vs-broncos-odds-line-spread-proven-model-reveals-nfl-picks-predictions-for-week-2-2022/). Denver has the advantage in the all-time series against Houston, and they are the favorite to repeat that success. [streamed live on Paramount+ with their must-have Premium plan](https://www.paramountplus.com/?ftag=PPM-22-10ahe7j). - Broncos vs. Texans, the model is picking Denver (-10) to cover the spread at home. Texans odds from Caesars Sportsbook, and the over/under for total points is 45.5. You can [stream the game in select markets on Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/?ftag=PPM-22-10ahe7j). [Denver Broncos](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/DEN/denver-broncos/) host the [Houston Texans](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/HOU/houston-texans/) on [Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/?ftag=PPM-22-10ahe7j). Kickoff from Denver, Colorado, is set for 4:25 p.m.

Jerry Jeudy (10) of the Denver Broncos runs after making a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of Seattle's 17-16 win at Lumen Field ...

— Kyle Newman [Always on alert: When Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson scrambles, teammates know the play could be far from over](https://www.denverpost.com/2022/09/18/russell-wilson-scramble-plays-broncos/) In the medical tent (2:49 p.m.): Into the medical tent. Free play (2:50 p.m.): Russell Wilson drew the Texans offsides, knew he had a free play, then heaved the ball down the sideline to Courtland Sutton, who drew a 42-yard pass interference penalty. Field goal (2:55 p.m.): The Empower Field faithful booed, slightly, as Brandon McManus jogged on to attempt a 20-yard field goal on 4th and 2. Stat to note: The Broncos have had four cracks at the end zone on goal to go. (3:20 p.m.): After the Broncos told Sam Martin to take a hike, electing to save some green by going with Corliss Waitman, are they regretting that decision? Texans 6, Broncos 3 with 7:11 left in the second quarter. Another rough drive for Denver (3:35 p.m.): The Broncos punted again after another rough drive. Kyle Newman, sportswriter: Thank the football gods for Frisbee Dogs, the halftime entertainment to get the crowd feeling good again. Houston puts up 3 (4:23 p.m.): The Texans keep throwing rookie Demarri Mathis’ way, but he’s held up for the most part, thanks to Brandin Cooks’ drop at the goal line and then Davis Mills’ third-down pass that had too much air on it. Stick here for live updates and analysis as the Broncos take on the Texans at Empower Field at Mile High.

Nathaniel Hackett may have lost a ton of faith among Denver Broncos fans for his late-game gaffe in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, ...

"I also trust (Hackett's) decisions and everything else, but I'm also always ready to go try to do it if we need to." "And we are going to be better for it. McManus missed the kick, which would have tied for the second-longest kick in NFL history, and the Seahawks escaped with a 17-16 victory.

Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett has told the team he will re-evaluate the way he makes late-game decisions.

If he based the decision on analytics and data, he should probably adjust by not being afraid to listen to his gut and using common sense in similar situations going forward. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Hackett has told the team he will Hackett chose to let the clock wind down and

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy injured his shoulder in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Texans.

Sutton stepped up with Jeudy injured, leading the team with seven receptions for 122 yards. [Apple Podcasts](https://apple.co/3H3B7xd) [Spotify](https://spoti.fi/3qh9KtA) [Google Podcasts](https://bit.ly/3o7jZOm) Before leaving the game, Jeudy totaled one catch for 11 yards on three targets.

The Denver Broncos revealed that Jerry Jeudy is questionable to return after suffering a shoulder injury in the first half vs. the Texans.

In Week 1, Jeudy was the Broncos’ leading receiver. Jerry Jeudy was targeted three times in the first quarter before sustaining the shoulder injury. Jeudy exited in the first half after sustaining a shoulder injury.

The Houston Texans take on the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Here are 10 factors that could help the Texans find their first win of 2022.

The Texans averaged 2.8 yards per carry against the Indianapolis Colts, tied for the third-lowest in the NFL. The Broncos are tied with the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints for the second-highest yards per play at 6.8. The Broncos generated four quarterback hits against the Seahawks in Week 1, tied for the sixth-fewest from Opening Day. The Broncos managed a 5.2 yards per carry against the Seahawks last week, good for the ninth-best in the NFL. Houston needs to keep up the production and stall the Broncos offense. If Houston is able to up their sack numbers and drop Russell Wilson, it should keep the Broncos offense curtailed.

But that's not the only reason they're getting frustrated in Denver. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett's play calling drew boos from Broncos fans when they settled ...

But that’s not the only reason they’re getting frustrated in Denver. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett’s play calling drew boos from Broncos fans when they settled for a field goal after going nowhere in a goal-to-go situation late in the first half, and After getting upset by the Seahawks in Week One, the Broncos are now tied 6-6 with the Texans in Week Two.

Quarterback Russell Wilson threw his first touchdown at Empower Field at Mile High as a Bronco when he found tight end Eric Saubert for the go-ahead strike with ...

Sutton was left open down the seam on the left side of the field, and Wilson hit him for a 35-yard gain. In the process, the Broncos survived more than a dozen penalties and injuries to key starters in Pat Surtain II and Jerry Jeudy to improve to 1-1. The defense then held on facing a pair of late Davis Mills-led drives from the Texans.

The Broncos ruled out WR Jerry Jeudy and CB Patrick Surtain II for the rest of Sunday's 16-9 win against the Texans due to injuries.

The Broncos struggled to keep things moving on offense as Wilson was just 6-of-19 passing in the first half. [DK Metcalf](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4047650/dk-metcalf) for much of the season opener and was matched up on the Texans' [Brandin Cooks](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16731/brandin-cooks) early in Sunday's game. The team initially called it a shoulder injury, but after Denver's 16-9 win, coach Nathaniel Hackett said the injury was to Jeudy's ribs. [Tim Patrick](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3134353/tim-patrick) suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, and [KJ Hamler](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4240380/kj-hamler) was a game-day inactive Sunday as he returns from hip and knee surgeries last season. [Pat Surtain II](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4372012/pat-surtain-ii) then left the game with a left shoulder injury early in the second quarter. [Jerry Jeudy](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241463/jerry-jeudy) was hurt when he landed awkwardly as he attempted to snare a [Russell Wilson](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/14881/russell-wilson) pass with just under six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

DENVER -- — Russell Wilson overcame a slow start and a cascade of boos in his Denver debut Sunday to lead the bungling Broncos past the Houston Texans 16-9. The Broncos (1-1) were flagged 13 times for 100 yards, marking the first time in four years ...

Also out were starters ILB [Josey Jewell](http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3040150/josey-jewell) (calf) and RG [Quinn Meinerz](http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4608138/quinn-meinerz) (hamstring). [Derek Stingley Jr](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4426434/derek-stingley-jr). [Brandon McManus](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16339/brandon-mcmanus)' 50-yard field goal for a seven-point lead with 3:41 remaining. TB12 looked shaky for a second straight week (so did Mitch Trubisky). And Surtain's injury came on the same day star S [Justin Simmons](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2969860/justin-simmons) had his 66-game starting streak end because of a thigh injury. Jeudy's injury came on a day the Broncos were already without third receiver [KJ Hamler](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4240380/kj-hamler), who is easing his way back from knee and hip surgeries. Should the Steelers make a QB change? [Houston](/nfl/team/_/name/hou/houston-texans) [Indianapolis](/nfl/team/_/name/ind/indianapolis-colts) [Tennessee](/nfl/team/_/name/ten/tennessee-titans) Tua had a breakout performance. Then, after Williams bullied his way to the 1, Wilson lined up in shotgun and had to throw the ball away, bringing McManus on again for a 24-yarder that tied it with 20 seconds left. It's the second straight September that Jeudy has gotten hurt; he missed two months last season after spraining an ankle in the opener. [Ka'imi Fairbairn](http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2971573/ka'imi-fairbairn).

In a game full of questionable decisions by first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett and scattered passing by new franchise quarterback Russell Wilson, the ...

The Broncos did such a bad job of managing the game that by the end, the Denver crowd had resorted to loudly counting down the play clock to try to keep the offense from getting delay of game penalties. The 0-1-1 Texans are not a good team, but they’ve played hard for new coach Lovie Smith two weeks in a row. Just as he had in the Broncos’ Week One loss in Seattle, Hackett made a series of bad decisions with play calling, clock management and fourth down management.

DENVER -- — Russell Wilson overcame a slow start and a cascade of boos in his Denver debut Sunday to lead the bungling Broncos past the Houston Texans 16-9.

[Dre'Mont Jones](http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3915525/dre'mont-jones), who had a pair of sacks. The Jets were 60-1 before coming back. Then, after Williams bullied his way to the 1, Wilson lined up in the shotgun and had to throw the ball away, bringing McManus on again for a 24-yarder that tied it with 20 seconds left. “Once we do that, we'll be a great team.” The Broncos' infractions included a pair of delay-of-game penalties on field-goal attempts. Denver also was whistled for too many men on the field. [Montrell Washington](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4248822/montrell-washington). It's the second straight September that Jeudy has gotten hurt; he missed two months last season after spraining an ankle in the opener. You know, we get rid of those penalties, we execute in the end zone, we’ll be a really good team.” Wilson finished 14 of 31 for 219 yards with one TD and an interception. “We're of the ‘always improving’ mindset,” Saubert said. [Courtland Sutton](http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3128429/courtland-sutton) and a [22-yard payoff](https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1571633516735238144) to tight end [Eric Saubert](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2975863/eric-saubert) that put Denver ahead 13-9 early in the fourth quarter.

The only head coach I can find who was fired midseason and the team made the playoffs was Jon Gruden with the Raiders last year — and in his case, it had ...

If all we see is more indecisiveness, more lack of communication, and more penalties, it's going to be hard to make the case for him to stick around. If penalties are piling up like that, you do have to start looking at the coaching. Coaching decisions like that have nothing to do with whether or not you play your starters in the preseason. That already amounts to 30.5% of the Broncos' total 82 penalties for 2021. It's possible, though it's been the offense that has had the bigger problem. On the other hand, you at least can show you were decisive, rather than making people wonder whether you even knew what you were supposed to do. Too many times against the Texans, the Broncos looked like they didn't know what play they wanted to run or whether or not to go for it on fourth down. There are those who will ask whether the Broncos should have played their starters in the preseason. Not having your returner ready to take the field is inexcusable. That doesn't mean you can't hold Hackett's feet to the fire. The most frustrating thing was the Broncos lost a field goal attempt because of game management. In other words, fans shouldn't use the "fire coach midseason" tactic as if it's going to mean an instant turnaround better, particularly when the head coach has had just two regular-season games.

With a little coaxing from the home crowd, a strong defensive outing, Russell Wilson and the Broncos managed to defeat the Houston Texans.

They were already without wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee) who played 40 snaps last week but, according to Hackett, may miss time on and off early in the year as he recovers from knee and hip surgery and wide receiver Tim Patrick, who suffered a torn ACL in training camp, among others. With the lead finally in hand at 13-9 and set up first-and-10 at Houston’s 26-yard line with 4:36 to go, the Broncos threw the ball three straight times and took less than a minute off the clock before settling for another field goal and a 16-9 lead. We know in a game like that that the defense has to make stops and get the ball back to the offense. "That will make us more efficient on that one there. Denver has issues outside of the game management department, too. In six snaps from inside the 5-yard line, they ran the ball just once, saw Wilson go 0-of-5 and settled for two field goals. Their team struggling mightily in the game management department, they figured it couldn’t hurt to count down the play clock when their team was on offense. Houston ultimately had the ball two more times with a chance to tie the game. Maybe it’s the comfort of sleeping in your own bed or knowing that a long plane ride doesn’t wait after the game. "We just kind of made it hard on ourselves." “We started clicking once they started telling us the play clock. However, for first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett and company, questions have stacked up far faster than answers through two weeks.

"I would be booing myself; I was getting very frustrated," Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett said of the red-zone inefficiency. "We get down to the red zone two ...

"We're going to have to look at all those," Hackett said of the penalties. "We are going to have to put them up in front of all the guys. I'm excited because we were able to win a tough game like today, and you need those kind of games, because down the road when it's a playoff game or it's late in the season and you need that game, you have something to go back to. "There's going to be tough times. "'These are the situations that we have to be able to master. We didn't have the success we wanted to have in three quarters, but we were able to figure it out and get the win, and that's the most important thing. We have to master these fourth quarters and be able to go out there and have that success.' There's still plenty to correct as the Broncos move forward. There's going to be tough games. "It's the National Football League, there's going to be adversity," Wilson said. "That was our next call up on what we wanted to do. Whether we run the ball more, whatever we're doing, we just have to execute at a higher level."

Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase was fined twice for unsportsmanlike conduct in the Week 1 loss to the Steelers, with one fine for $13,261 and the second for ...

( [Mike Garafolo](https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1571536899994533890?s=20&t=gHzB3Omq4ICfk9OixTiQqA)) [Jonathan Cooper](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CoopJo01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)was fined $4,723 for taunting in the Week 1 loss to the Seahawks. [Javonte Williams](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillJa10.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)was fined $11,194 for unnecessary roughness in the Week 1 loss to the Seahawks. [Stefon Diggs](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DiggSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)was fined $10,609 for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting Rams CB [Jalen Ramsey](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RamsJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-), although no flag was thrown. ( [Tom Pelissero](https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1571214793691828225?s=20&t=gHzB3Omq4ICfk9OixTiQqA)) [Ja’Marr Chase](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChasJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)was fined twice for unsportsmanlike conduct in the Week 1 loss to the Steelers, with one fine for $13,261 and the second for $10,609. [Gabriel Davis](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviGa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-)turned his ankle on a non-contact play in practice. I’m just excited for this year, excited to be with this coaching staff, excited to be playing of course with Russ and just excited to take advantage of the opportunities I’m going to have this year.” But now that we have a great coaching staff, great quarterback putting me in position to be successful and now it’s up to me to take advantage of those opportunities.” It was Jeudy’s first touchdown since his rookie year after going scoreless throughout all of the 2021 season. Although the Broncos lost in Week 1, Jeudy’s 67-yard touchdown pass is a sign that he might be putting things together. ( [Tom Pelissero](https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1571213412843110405?s=20&t=gHzB3Omq4ICfk9OixTiQqA))

Houston's defense recorded Wilson's first interception as a Bronco and added 2.0 sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six passes defensed.

The Texans travel to Chicago to face the Bears in Week 3. With the loss, the Texans fall to 0-1-1 on the season. Denver took a 13-9 lead with 12:37 left in the game. The Texans held onto a 9-6 lead, but Russell Wilson and Denver's offense pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run to victory. On his first play of the fourth quarter, Wilson found Sutton for a 35-yard reception on third-and-16. Neither team was able to find the endzone through the first three quarters of the game.

There are no doubt issues that need to get solved but all that matters is Russell Wilson and the Broncos got the win.

Denver is now 0-for-6 in the red zone through the first two games. Mile High Salute to the fans for helping Wilson and the Broncos offense know the time on the play clock. The red zone continues to be a problem. Then, Hackett initially decides to go for it on fourth-and-2, but second guesses himself and sends out the field goal unit. Through two weeks, the Broncos still don’t look prepared. The play loses a yard. Hackett calls a handoff on third-and-1 from the Houston 35 ... And when Denver needed someone to step up and make a play, Gregory was there to deliver. He led the Broncos in tackles with 6 (5 solo). Wilson and the Denver offense didn’t look good through most of the game, but Wilson delivered his first “game-winning drive” for the Broncos. Denver’s tight end had only one catch but he made the most of it. Wilson also gets his first win as a member of the Broncos.

But it wasn't pretty. A series of game management miscues prompted boos from the Denver crowd in rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett's home debut. Then in a ...

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Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett confirmed in his post-game press conference that wide receiver Jerry Jeudy suffered a ribs injury and cornerback Patrick ...

[said Hackett](https://twitter.com/NickKosmider/status/1571647992192733184). It was another blow to a diminished WR corps already lacking starters Tim Patrick (torn ACL) and KJ Hamler (inactive). Please take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!](https://sibforms.com/serve/MUIEACu35tDCvWTU8nrZq3tu-omjLixgehvQuqnYGbQ5JZ8iO1opdYklsdU2qJSc8MsKh-kFeniiedKufe5dsVn4SVS3PQ9kiWBxRrGpeqLnT2jnUHWsKpAnbwxykIv8W6xdyqeJAtpssR8Kq5TptID_USaXtVUx2WmFzTPI1xF92kwWDCs3wqBJpwb4E2CKvf4lLtMun7UipsWP)

Clock management has been a problem early in the Nathaniel Hackett Era for the Denver Broncos. Broncos fans decided to take matters into their own hands in ...

The Broncos were able to hold on against the Texans for a 16-9 win, evening their record at 1-1. Turn the volume up! [September 18, 2022] They then took a delay of game penalty on fourth down, forcing them to take their field goal team off the field, and to punt the ball away: Denver settled for a 64-yard field goal attempt on the final play in Week 1, after mismanaging the clock in the closing minutes. [pic.twitter.com/3Eugrn7sHG] [September 18, 2022]

Yes, for those watching the Broncos' 16-9 win over the Houston Texans on television Sunday, you correctly heard the Mile High crowd counting down the play ...

… Former Broncos backup quarterback Jeff Driskel carried one time for 10 yards as the Texans’ gadget player. The tradition has continued with the Walton-Penner Ownership Group. Former Broncos owner Pat Bowlen always wanted the no-show total announced at Mile High, even after the NFL stopped requiring teams to report the figure publicly. “(Quarterback) Russell (Wilson) didn’t have to look at the clock anymore. Inside linebacker Josey Jewell (calf), right guard Quinn Meinerz (hamstring), receiver KJ Hamler (knee), right tackle Billy Turner (knee), receiver Jalen Virgil and defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike were also inactive. We might have to do that every game.”

Russell Wilson's career as a Bronco isn't off to a good start. The Broncos lost in Wilson's debut to his former team on Monday Night Football, 17-16.

The Broncos will look to try and have a better offensive performance in the second half as they try and notch their first win of the season. You can watch the rest of this game on CBS (if you're in the area). Russell Wilson's career as a Bronco isn't off to a good start.

In a game that was as aesthetically pleasing as watching paint peel, quarterback Russell Wilson's 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Saubert with 12:37 ...

Sept. In fact, of the last 10 coaches hired to lead the Broncos, eight of them won their first game at Mile High. In a testament to the Broncos’ home field advantage, first-year head coaches have made a habit of winning their home debuts. “But overall, I’m very proud of our team, our defense and the way we’re moving the ball on offense. The Broncos’ defense, playing without inside linebacker Josey Jewell, safety Justin Simmons and, for the final three quarters, cornerback Pat Surtain II, made it stand. “We’ll have to look at all of those and put them all up (on the big screen) in front of the guys and make sure they understand why they were penalties and what they’re doing wrong,” Hackett said. On their home field the offense had three false starts. The offense had six, the defense and special teams three apiece. This is a fan base equal parts spoiled by the Manning Era success and fed up with the last six years. “We know there’s a lot to clean up, but that’s what this whole week is for.” Nothing on display in the home opener extinguished the concerns created by the loss in Seattle six nights earlier. In a game that was as aesthetically pleasing as watching paint peel, quarterback Russell Wilson’s 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Saubert with 12:37 remaining was the go-ahead score in a 16-9 win/snoozer over the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon.

Although the Broncos came out victorious, the Twitter-scope was not kind after the Broncos 16-9 win versus the Texans.

Here’s to hoping for brighter days ahead in Denver. [September 18, 2022] The Denver Broncos register their first win of the Nathaniel Hackett era by defeating the Houston Texans 16-9 in Week 2.

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos beat the Houston Texans, 16-9. It was a nerve-wracking collapse down a flight of stairs that surprisingly ended with Denver on ...

But can Tampa continue to win while losing players? The Jets were 60-1 before coming back. and they need to win. He doesn’t need to be perfect on Sunday, just improved. Giants - CBSSports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dak-prescott-injury-cowboys-ceo-stephen-jones-says-qb-could-return-as-soon-as-week-3-vs-giants/) The game is coming at him faster now than it has ever before and, as much as it sucks to say it, Broncos Country needs to give him the space to find himself as head coach. What is happening on the Broncos sideline where player, coach, and teammates have so little awareness of what’s happening in the game that the most important player in that particular moment is anywhere but where he needs to be? Next week, the Broncos host San Francisco on national television. A total inability to manage the play clock brought Broncos Country a new fandom first: The crowd in attendance took to shouting out the play clock to keep urgency on the Broncos mind. It was a nerve-wracking collapse down a flight of stairs that surprisingly ended with Denver on it’s feet as time expired. How do you field a punt return with no punt returner? It’s too early to start tugging at the coach’s clipboard.

DENVER -- — Russell Wilson overcame a slow start and a cascade of boos in his Denver debut Sunday to lead the bungling Broncos past the Houston Texans 16-9.

[Dre'Mont Jones](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3915525/dre'mont-jones), who had a pair of sacks. “Once we do that, we'll be a great team.” Then, after Williams bullied his way to the 1, Wilson lined up in the shotgun and had to throw the ball away, bringing McManus on again for a 24-yarder that tied it with 20 seconds left. The Broncos' infractions included a pair of delay-of-game penalties on field-goal attempts. Denver also was whistled for too many men on the field. [Derek Stingley Jr](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4426434/derek-stingley-jr). [Montrell Washington](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4248822/montrell-washington). It's the second straight September that Jeudy has gotten hurt; he missed two months last season after spraining an ankle in the opener. Wilson finished 14 of 31 for 219 yards with one TD and an interception. You know, we get rid of those penalties, we execute in the end zone, we’ll be a really good team.” “We're of the ‘always improving’ mindset,” Saubert said. [Ka'imi Fairbairn](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2971573/ka'imi-fairbairn).

After a sloppy game, the Denver Broncos eked out a 16-9 win over the Houston Texans. Broncos Wire breaks down six studs and duds.

One delay of game penalty cost Denver a possible three points and brought on the punt team after knocking the team out of field goal range. McManus made three field goals and one extra point, making him 6-for-7 on field goal attempts for the season. More often than not, Sutton made the grab. Instead of running the ball, Wilson threw the ball on several occasions. One game with red zone problems was troubling, but something that could be worked out against the Texans. After having only seven carries against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, Broncos running back Javonte Williams was more invovled this week, receiving 15 carries for 75 yards.

Tired of their team's poor clock management on Sunday afternoon, Broncos fans decided to help. Onlookers at Empower Field at Mile High began counting down ...

Whether we run the ball more, whatever we're doing, we just have to execute at a higher level." "I would be booing myself," Hackett said. The offense struggled with Wilson completing just 45.2 percent of 31 pass attempts (a career low), and once again misfired in the red zone, going 0-2. That was great that our fans we're really into it and just a great football crowd for sure." I'll talk with Russ, find out anything that I can do to help him make it better." Hackett added: "That's inexcusable.

For the second week in a row, Denver fans were left scratching their heads about Nathaniel Hackett's play-calling and time management.

“I don’t blame them,” [Hackett said](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRxkx-OE1tU) after the game. [a 16-9 win](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/18/sports/football/nfl-week-2-scores.html), there were other disquieting signs for Denver on Sunday. The Broncos host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. But the booing by the home crowd and two weeks of negative headlines are proof that honeymoons do not last long in the N.F.L. [deciding whether to send out the field goal team](https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/1571629982308253698). The kick would have been tied for the second longest in N.F.L. Since the Broncos had a clock problem in their opening-night loss, this week home fans decided their help was needed. Wilson was 14 for 31 for 219 yards, a touchdown and an interception, a comedown from a solid first week and [a preseason filled with optimism](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/10/sports/football/russell-wilson-denver-broncos.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article) since his off-season acquisition from Seattle. Nearing the sideline, Beck moved a couple more yards backward, seemed to fake a pitch to a teammate, and was tackled for a 1-yard loss. A quick outlet pass to try to catch the defense napping? That led to a Broncos 55-yard field goal attempt, which was good … With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Broncos trailed the Texans by 9-6 and faced a third-and-1 at the Texans 35.

Denver avoided a 0-2 start only because of its defense, and things need to get fixed in a hurry for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

But the Broncos are committing fouls at an alarming rate for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Toss in the 64-yard field goal attempt in Seattle that didn’t work out in the opener to go with a few more eyebrow-raising timeouts, and the first two weeks have been a bumpy ride for the Broncos. The particularly glaring penalties were the three false starts – at home – and those delay-of-game penalties on field goal attempts. "We’re not going to win a lot of games with that many penalties." Wide receiver [Jerry Jeudy](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241463/jerry-jeudy)’s rib injury in the first quarter certainly influenced things, but overall, until the Broncos have spent more effort on their timing, the simplest answers may be the best ones. But there are times, especially at this stage of things, when a nod to simplicity might be the way to go.

In his second game as an NFL head coach, Hackett and his Broncos earned their first victory together. That was crucial after the tremendous letdown versus ...

So, facing a 4th and 2 from the 36, Hackett decided too late to send the kicking team out there and was called for a delay of game, pushing the team back five yards. Hackett didn’t get the play in on time, forcing the team to call their third and final timeout. Washington has to be alert and ready to go into the game when needed, sure, and the coaches need to be on him to do the same. To wit, the Broncos have four delay of game penalties in only two games. Going for it on 4th down at the 50 worked out, the Broncos gained the first down. Similarly to the Fangio era, the Broncos have been woefully underprepared under Hackett in his first two games. Wilson rolled out, tried to find a receiver in the back of the end zone, but with that man covered he forced the ball into Williams and it was dropped. He instead called it with 20 seconds to play, setting up the failed 64-yard field goal attempt by Brandon McManus. Just before half, the Broncos had the ball with a 3rd and goal from the 1. On 2nd down from the 2 yard line, Hackett said, “Do it again!” and the play was easily defended. Denver could — and should — have just pounded the ball with Williams or Gordon. That was crucial after the tremendous letdown versus the sorry Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, but also because teams who start the season 0-2 have only an 11% chance of making the playoffs.

Nathaniel Hackett's debut as Broncos head coach was nothing short of a disaster, and his first home game didn't inspire much hope either.

Later, the team burned its final timeout with 7:38 remaining in the game after it couldn't get lined up in time to run a second-and-16 play. The Broncos waffled on whether to go for it on fourth-and-2 or to kick a 54-yard field goal. Eventually, the crowd was counting down the time remaining on the play clock as it ticked down into single digits. The Texans snuffed out the play and stopped Beck for a loss. Denver was able to eke out a 16-9 win in its home opener Sunday against the Texans. One of the most notable sequences was extraordinarily frustrating for Denver fans.

Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had X-rays come back negative after injuring his ribs against the Texans.

[KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis](https://twitter.com/mikeklis/status/1571664683051925506). [Buy Broncos Tickets](https://www.ticketsmarter.com/denver-broncos?utm_source=broncoswire.usatoday.com&utm_medium=thescoreplacement&utm_campaign=gannett) Even if Jeudy is not able to play on Sunday, his day-to-day status is a good sign that it’s not believed to be a long-term injury.

The Denver Broncos came away with a sloppy win over the Houston Texans that nearly felt like a loss at the end of the day.

It had to be one of the most embarrassing wins in the history of the franchise. Next Sunday, if you hear it again, it might be the sound of the clock ticking down on your time as the Broncos head coach. Beyond the maddening practice of letting the play clock run down before making a decision or sending in a play, Hackett has plenty of head-scratching habits. Per Pro Football Reference, that’s the highest penalty-yardage total in two consecutive games since they had 217 yards in infractions in Weeks 14 and 15 of the 2003 season.” There is – was – still time for Hackett to show why he was the right hire. Still, a regional fan base thirsty for a new era was willing to give the new coach a pass (sort of). The way Hackett handled the preseason was brought to light in Week 1; his team and staff looked sloppy, poorly coached, disorganized and just out of sync. In the waning moments of the Broncos-Texans Week 2 matchup, the home crowd was indeed counting down the clock. But since the NFL play clock has been operating pretty much the same for as long as I can remember, and since it’s impossible to miss from anywhere in the stadium, there are no excuses for not understanding how the darn thing works. Unfortunately for him, football is nothing new to the 78,000 fans inside his new home, much less the millions who make up Broncos Country. Never – ever – have I witnessed the home crowd cynically counting down the play clock. Counting down the seconds left in any game is typically a sign that the victory party will soon officially commence.