It was complicated, but first victory for the new quarterback and the new coach of Denver.
Denver Broncos (1-1) – Houston Texans (0-1-1): 16-9
After a surprise loss in Seattle, Denver must rebound against Houston, which was close to creating a surprise at the Indianapolis Colts. If Russell Wilson (14/31, 219 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) alternated between very good and very bad, the Texans did not confirm the good impression left in Indiana. This first victory is therefore the first for Russell Wilson in his new colors and for Nathaniel Hackett as head coach. But how laborious it was!
Non-existent attacks
On both sides of the field, the 2 teams are unable to advance in the 1st half. If we expected Houston to struggle despite the absence of safety Simmons and the injury exit of Patrick Surtain. Denver was worried with in particular an ugly 6/19 for Russell Wilson and not very inspired offensive play calls from coach Nathaniel Hackett.
A symbolic action summarizing the failed 1st period of the Broncos: a field goal attempt on 4th & 2 penalized for a delay in play and converted into a punt in 4th & 7 which made Russell Wilson incredulous.
Results of the 2 teams: 7 punts, 4 field goals, 13 penalties and a first half to forget for the public of the EmpowerField who started whistling his local team.
Sutton and defense save Denver
The 2nd half started badly for Denver with an interception by Christian Kirksey on Russell Wilson. But Houston and Davis Mills (19/38, 177 yards) do not benefit (9-6). And after a series of 6 games and 62 yards where Courtland Sutton (7 REC, 122 yards) showed up, tight-end Eric Saubert was found in the end zone for the only touchdown of the match (13-9).
A new Denver field goal later, Houston has two opportunities to equalize. Unfortunately, their drives end each time with 4th failed attempts due to a good defense from the Broncos, including 1 sack from Randy Gregory, but also inaccuracies from Davis Mills.
Automation is not there yet and time management is still catastrophic but Denver is doing well. On the Houston side, Brandin Cooks (4 REC, 54 yards) becomes the first NFL player to reach 8,000 receiving yards before the age of 29.
Russell Wilson to Eric Saubert for the @Broncos TD!
📺: #HOUvsDEN on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/lKB3gLnjdG pic.twitter.com/8fuoSx12Vn— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2022
