BALTIMORE — The Broncos didn’t lose because of their second offensive snap of the day.
They didn’t get beat by 31 points because of one single mistake.
But when Denver got the ball first, they also couldn’t afford to turn it over against high-powered Baltimore.
That’s just what happened, though, when rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s first pass of the day caromed off Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s hands and into the waiting arms of Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington.
“It was a little roll-out and I tried to go make a play,” Humphrey said afterward. “I obviously didn’t and that’s on me. I know better. I’ve got to put two hands up, you know what I mean. I’ve got to move past it and move forward and on to next week.
“It’s a mistake on me.”
Nix hadn’t thrown an interception since a Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. All six of his picks, now, have come in Denver’s four losses. In those games, he has two touchdown passes. In Denver’s five wins, Nix has six touchdown passes.
It’s the second straight week that Denver’s first possession ended because of a turnover on a play to Humphrey. He fumbled last week on a catch that eventually resulted in a Carolina touchdown drive. This week the Broncos defense actually forced a Baltimore punt, but the Ravens proceeded to score on seven straight drives after that.
Sutton’s big day. Courtland Sutton is doing it all. And then some.
The Broncos receiver not only logged his second straight 100-yard receiving outing — the first time in his career he’s gone back-to-back in that department — but he also threw a fourth-down touchdown pass to quarterback Bo Nix on a trick play.
“We called it at the right time,” Nix said. “We knew they were going to be in (Cover) 0 funnel and the guy actually made a good play of retreating and trailing. Courtland looked pretty good again on that play.”
In a Week 7 win at New Orleans, Sutton had no targets for the first time in his career. In two games since, Denver’s top pass-catcher has 15 catches (21 targets) for 222 yards.
He’s also completed a pair of passes for 30 total yards and a touchdown.
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“He’s just competing at a high level and I think he’s taking ownership in that room,” Nix said. “He’s taking pride and value and he’s playing with a lot of passion, I think. … He’s working really hard at it and I can see that each and every week. As the leader he is and the captain, he’s holding up his end and I respect that out of him.”
Inactives. The Broncos had a fairly normal set of inactives and practice squad elevations Sunday. They signed fullback Michael Burton back to the practice squad Saturday, as expected after his Friday release, and he was on the field in his normal role against the Ravens. So, too, was practice squad inside linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Denver’s seven game-day inactives: QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB), S P.J. Locke (thumb), TE Greg Dulcich, CB Damarri Mathis, CB Kris Abrams-Draine, OLB Dondrea Tillman and OL Frank Crum.
OL Alex Palczewski returned to the active list after missing three weeks with a high-ankle sprain. The Broncos had DL Eyioma Uwazurike up in place of Mathis for some extra heft against Baltimore’s excellent rushing attack.
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