Statistical line: 16 for 26, 164 passing yards; 10 carries, 75 rushing yards

Highlight: Javonte Williams wasn’t the only one having success running the football. Nix set the tone on the first play of the game, scrambling for 14 yards. In the third quarter, Nix took a designed run from the left tackle 32 yards down the sideline to set up Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run and take a 26–3 lead. Nix averaged 7.5 yards per carry.

Low light: Even if Nix were to throw for 400 yards on Thursday, it still wouldn’t wipe away the memory of missing two wide-open targets on Denver’s first drive. Nix had Lucas Krull and wide receiver Troy Franklin wide open in the red zone, but the rookie failed to get his feet properly on the ground, resulting in an incompletion that somehow landed between both pass catchers. Nix threw two more incompletions before Denver had to punt.

Analysis: Nix’s footwork and accuracy in the field remain problematic. In addition to his incompletion against Krull in the first quarter, he threw the ball under to tight end Adam Trautman, forcing Denver to settle for a field goal in the second quarter. He nearly changed the momentum of the night when safety Tyrann Mathieu failed to drop an easy interception near the end of the first half. Still, Nix did some good things in the win. He did well running the ball and took advantage of design runs. He also had three impressive throws against Franklin, Krull and rookie wideout Devaughn Vele. Overall, Nix was solid in his first primetime game, but it’s clear he still has work to do as a pocket passer.

Unsung hero

Offensive line: The guys up front played a major role in Denver’s overwhelming success against the Saints. According to Next Gen Stats, the Broncos had 94 yards through three quarters before connecting. That’s a product of the offensive line creating open lanes for Denver’s running backs. During Javonte Williams’ 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, he walked into the end zone untouched thanks to strong blocking up front.

Goat of the game

DJ Jones: Even though the Broncos won, it felt like they were leaving points off the board. Inside linebacker Cody Barton’s fumble recovery for a touchdown in the second quarter was called back due to Jones being offside. Barton could have had two touchdowns that night, but Jones’ mental lapse prevented that from happening.