3 Takeaways from Broncos’ Week 13 Loss vs. Texans
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Broncos QB Russell Wilson
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The Denver Broncos played a thriller but ultimately fell short against the upstart Houston Texans on Sunday.
The Broncos fell behind early and trailed 16-3 in the third quarter. However, Russell Wilson and the Broncos climbed back into the game, pulling within five and having a goal-to-go opportunity at the very end of regulation.
Unfortunately, Texans defensive back Jimmie Ward picked off Wilson in the end zone with mere seconds remaining, essentially finishing the game and ending Denver’s winning streak at five games.
Here are our biggest takeaways from the Broncos’ 22-17 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 13.
1. Wilson’s Mistakes Cost Denver in the End
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Russell Wilson
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Over the past month-plus, the Broncos have found a winning formula that involves aggressive, opportunistic defense, a strong running game, and utilizing Wilson as a game manager.
In last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns, for example, Wilson finished with only 134 passing yards, but Denver racked up 169 on the ground.
While Wilson only attempted 26 passing attempts, he frequently tried to find chunk plays—a strategy that worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars against Houston last week—but he was ultimately picked off three times.
Wilson’s last interception was the game-ender, and it came on a mess of a play that essentially saw Wilson buy a little time and then chuck a pass in the direction of Lucas Krull. The pass was late, and it was easily picked.
While Wilson has been better under Payton, it’s clear that limiting his miscues must remain a big part of the game plan.
2. Denver Needs to Keep Courtland Sutton Involved
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Broncos WR Courtland Sutton fails to make a catch against Houston in Week 13
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During Denver’s winning streak, wideout Courtland Sutton became a playmaking catalyst for the offense. He found the end zone in four straight games, and while he didn’t score in Week 12, he finished with three receptions for 61 yards.
Sutton did have a key 45-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter that helped pull Denver within six points. He had another big 32-yard grab in the fourth quarter. However, Denver struggled to keep him consistently involved in the passing game.