Game balls and a look ahead following the Broncos’ 16-9 win over the Texans.
Game Balls
Eric Saubert
Saubert had his first career touchdown last year, in Week 12 against the Chargers, and again proved he’s more than just a blocker on Sunday. With the home team trailing 9-6, the veteran tight end pulled down a 22-yard touchdown pass on a go-route down the seam early in the fourth quarter, hauling in Russell Wilson’s pass over the arm of Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Courtland Sutton
With KJ Hamler inactive (knee/hip) and Jerry Jeudy exiting with a shoulder injury in the first quarter, Russell Wilson struggled to find a rhythm… except with targeting No. 14. Sutton was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty, but he also racked upseven catches for 122 yards on 11 targets. That included a long of 35 yards on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Damarri Mathis
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited in the first half with a shoulder injury, meaning Demarri Mathis had to step up. Texans quarterback Davis Mills consistently picked on Mathis, the Broncos’ fourth-round pick out of Pittsburgh. Mathis gave up some receptions but not the big play and no touchdowns. The rookie had five tackles and a pass defensed.
Up Next
Sunday, Sept. 25 vs. 49ers at Empower Field, 6:20 p.m. (Week 3)
Record: 1-1
Week 2 result: Won 27-7 vs Seahawks
Coach: Kyle Shanahan (6th year, 40-43)
About the 49ers: After losing 19-10 to the Bears in an ugly (and slippery) season opener in Chicago, San Francisco bounced back with a dominating performance over division rival Seattle in Week 2. But it didn’t come without a cost, as 49ers quarterback Trey Lance was carted off the field late in the first quarter with a broken ankle, which will cost him the season. That means Jimmy Garoppolo will start against the Broncos in primetime on Sunday Night Football. All-Pro tight end George Kittle missed the first two games with a groin injury. Defensively, San Francisco features end Nick Bosa, one of the few players in the league who can single-handedly wreck an offensive game plan.
