Courtland Sutton managed two catches for just 11 yards on five targets in Week 1 as the Denver Broncos took on the Kansas City Chiefs. That is a low bar for a player who was supposed to be a major piece of the offense.
The problem was not just Sutton’s own output. The whole passing game struggled. Quarterback Bo Nix threw for just 189 yards and one touchdown, and the defense confused him throughout the game. The result was a quiet day for the receiving corps as a whole.
Sutton’s Target Share
Sutton was expected to see slightly less production this season. The Broncos added Jaylen Waddle to the mix, and that meant the workload would not be evenly split. But even with that adjustment, Sutton being barely an afterthought in the offense is a concern.
He caught two passes for 11 yards. On five targets, that works out to a small share of the action. For a receiver who was supposed to be a focal point, that is a small share of the attention.
Waddle had just a single 2-yard catch. Together, the two primary receivers combined for three catches and 13 yards on seven targets.
Pat Bryant Steps Up
The surprise performer was Pat Bryant. He led the receivers room with four receptions and 42 yards on a team-high six targets. That is a full game from a player who was not expected to lead the group.
Bryant’s performance shows the depth of the Broncos’ receiving corps. With Sutton and Waddle drawing attention, other players got open looks. The coaching staff clearly found ways to get the ball to Bryant, and he made the most of them.
The Kansas City Defense
The Kansas City defense deserves credit for the night’s performance. They did a good job confusing Bo Nix all evening, which limited the overall production from the passing game. That blanket coverage extended to Sutton and Waddle.
The Chiefs’ defense was effective at throwing a blanket on the receivers. The result was a low-scoring game that tested the offense in every phase.
The Week 1 Result
For the Broncos, Week 1 was a mixed bag. The offense struggled to sustain drives. Sutton’s two catches for 11 yards highlighted the issues.
The team will need to adjust quickly. A season opener is one thing, but a pattern of underperforming receivers is another. Sutton and Waddle need to find a way to get more involved in the offense.
What Comes Next
The Broncos face a tough road ahead. Their schedule includes teams that will look to exploit any weaknesses in the passing game. Sutton and Waddle will need to step up to avoid similar nights.
The coaching staff will also have to find ways to get the ball to Sutton more often. A receiver with his talent should not be a secondary option. The early signs are concerning, but the season is long.
The Passing Game Struggles
Bo Nix’s performance was a concern beyond just Sutton’s numbers. Throwing for just 189 yards and one touchdown means the offense as a whole was limited. The Chiefs’ confusion of Nix throughout the game contributed to the struggles.
The Broncos will need to find a way to protect Nix and give him time to operate. Without a solid base of passing, the team will struggle to move the ball consistently.
The Talent Around Him
The Broncos have a talented receiving corps. They also have a quarterback who needs time to settle in. The next few weeks will show whether Sutton can bounce back from this slow start.
Sutton has proven himself capable of big games in the past. This week was a step back, and the team will need him to step forward soon.
The Bottom Line
Sutton’s two catches for 11 yards on five targets was a quiet start to the season. The Broncos will need him to do better moving forward. The team added Waddle to boost the offense, and the hope was that Sutton would remain a key part of it.
Instead, Bryant led the room. That is not a trend the Broncos want to continue. Sutton has proven himself capable of big games in the past. The Broncos need him to prove it again soon.
Key Facts Box
- Courtland Sutton: 2 catches, 11 yards, 5 targets
- Jaylen Waddle: 1 catch, 2 yards, 3 targets
- Pat Bryant: 4 catches, 42 yards, 6 targets
- Total Broncos passing: 189 yards, 1 touchdown
- Game result: Low-scoring affair for both offenses
The Broncos have a talented receiving corps. They also have a quarterback who needs time to settle in. The next few weeks will show whether Sutton can bounce back from this slow start.
The early returns are not promising. But one game does not define a season. Sutton has shown what he can do in the past. The Broncos need him to show it again soon.
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