The Denver Broncos (0-1) lost to the Tennessee Titans (1-0) on “Monday Night Football” in Week 1. Denver was considered a betting underdog going into the game and all of ESPN’s experts picked Tennessee to win.
The experts were proven correct when the Titans defeated the Broncos 16-14 on the road on Monday evening.
Denver’s offense had to play without Pro Bowl wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury. With Sutton sidelined, tight end Noah Fant stepped up as the Broncos’ top receiver, leading the team with five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, the Broncos were without star outside linebacker Von Miller, who will miss at least three months after undergoing ankle surgery. Jeremiah Attaochu stepped up in Miller’s place, totaling three tackles and a sack.
Denver cornerback A.J. Bouye left the game in the first half with a shoulder injury and did not return. Michael Ojemudia played across from Bryce Callahan with Bouye sidelined and Essang Bassey played in the slot. The Broncos’ two rookie cornerbacks stepped up and played well.
Denver running back Phillip Lindsay also left the game with a foot injury. That left Melvin Gordon as the Broncos’ workhorse. Gordon finished the game with 15 carries for 78 yards and one touchdown.
Up next for Denver is a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) in Week 2. Pittsburgh defeated the New York Giants (0-1) 26-16 on Monday. The Broncos lead the all-time series against the Steelers 20-11-1.
