The Houston Texans, gearing up to face the resurgent Denver Broncos on Sunday, are contemplating the factors behind the Broncos’ impressive turnaround from a 1-5 start. Head coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted the pivotal role of the Broncos’ defense, emphasizing their aggressive approach to creating turnovers.
According to Ryans, the Broncos’ recent success, marked by a five-game winning streak, can be attributed to their defense consistently securing possession of the ball. Denver, currently standing at 6-5, has experienced a defensive resurgence, evidenced by their remarkable 15 turnovers in the last four games.
Safety Justin Simmons acknowledged the importance of turnovers, noting that they have been a crucial element in the Broncos’ recent victories. As the team faces a formidable opponent in the Houston Texans, Simmons emphasized the need to maintain this momentum, especially against a high-performing offense led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud, having excelled in protecting the ball, ranks second in the NFL with 3,266 passing yards and boasts an impressive ratio of 19 touchdown passes to just five interceptions. Despite three interceptions in a recent win over Arizona, Stroud showcased his maturity by avoiding turnovers in the subsequent game against Jacksonville. He acknowledged learning from his mistakes and expressed a commitment to continuous improvement.
However, the Broncos will be without veteran safety Kareem Jackson, who is serving a suspension for illegal hits. Jackson, who spent nine seasons with the Texans before joining the Broncos in 2019, traveled to New York to discuss his suspension with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, highlighting concerns about inconsistent enforcement of rules.
In anticipation of the matchup against the Texans, Denver quarterback Russell Wilson praised Stroud’s rookie season, particularly his ability to perform under pressure. Stroud, the second overall pick, holds the NFL rookie record for four consecutive games with at least 300 passing yards. Wilson commended Stroud’s “clutch gene” and noted his impressive performance in college.
The game’s schedule was adjusted to an earlier kickoff at noon local time due to its status as a premier matchup. Broncos tackle Garett Bolles speculated about the potential impact on the crowd, expressing hope for a quieter stadium if Texans fans attend church at noon. Bolles humorously referred to a previous experience where fans arrived late, not showing up until halftime.
Reflecting on the Broncos’ early-season struggles, right tackle Mike McGlinchey drew parallels with his former team, the San Francisco 49ers. He highlighted the importance of attention to detail and a collective commitment to improvement. McGlinchey noted the similarity in character and mindset between the two locker rooms, emphasizing the players’ dedication to overcoming challenges and believing in their ability to turn the season around.
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