Key Lessons Learned from Broncos’ Tough Week 13 Defeat against Texans

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 to the upstart Houston Texans on Sunday.
The Broncos fell behind early and trailed 16-3 in the 3rd quarter. Russell Wilson and the Broncos fought back into the game, pulling within 5 and having a goal-to-go opportunity at the very end of regulation.
Texans defensive back Jimmie Ward picked off Wilson in the end zone with mere seconds remaining, essentially sealing the game and ending Denver’s winning streak at 5 games.
Here are our biggest takeaways from the Broncos’ 22-17 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 13.
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 includes 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 gained 169 on the ground.
Versus a Houston defense that had allowed just 3.6 yards per carry on the ground, head coach Sean Payton had to take a different approach. The Broncos did try to establish the run and they ended up over 100 for the game but after falling behind, the passing game became even more crucial.
While Wilson only attempted 26 passing attempts, he consistently looked for percentage plays, a strategy that worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars against Houston last week, but he was ultimately picked off three times.
Wilson’s final interception was the game-ender, and it came on a messy 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 off.
While Wilson has been better under Payton, it’s clear that limiting his miscues should remain a big part of the plan.
Denver Needs to Keep Courtland Sutton Involved
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Broncos WR Courtland Sutton fails to make a catch versus Houston in Week 13
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Throughout 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 3 receptions for 61 yards.
Sutton did have a crucial 45-yard touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter that helped pull Denver within 6 points. He had another big 32-yard grab in the 4th quarter. Denver struggled to keep him consistently involved in the passing game.
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