2022 Week 2: Broncos vs. Texans

After a disappointing loss in Week 1, the Broncos return to Denver for their first home game of the regular season. As they greet the Texans (0-0-1), Russell Wilson will make his home debut and try to put Denver in the Victory Column. While victory eluded the Broncos in Seattle, their offense showed some promising signs; Wilson associated with Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton for 174 yards and a touchdown, Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III combined to average more than 5 yards per carry and the Broncos converted on eight of 15 third-down attempts. The offense’s problems – including penalties and a fumble by Williams and Gordon just yards from the end zone – are fixable. Against the Houston defense, they need to take better care of the football, especially against the defensive end Jerry Hughes. In Week 1, Hughes recorded one interception, one forced fumble and two sacks. Combined with a top 3 draft pick at cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.the Texan defense unit is unmissable.

On the other side of the ball, the Denver defense needs to play a more complete game than it did a week ago. The Broncos resolved their first-half problems, locking the Seahawks in the last two verses when Bradley Chubb recorded two sacks and Randy Gregory recorded a forced fumble in the second half. Texans QB Davis Mills was promising in week 1, but with Pat Surtain II compete against the recipient Brandin Cooks, will he be just as successful? If Denver’s pass rush gets home a little more often, the Broncos could be in good shape to even their 1-1 record. The biggest question, however, will be what Denver’s secondary fares will be without Justin Simmonswho will be out of injured reserve for at least four weeks with a quadriceps injury.

On this week’s first practice attendance report, the Broncos kept five players out of practice: Gregory, WR KJ Hamler (knee/hip), ILB Josey Gem (veal), G/C Quinn Meinerz (thigh) and DL DeShawn Williams (the back). cb K’Waun Williams was listed as limited, and OL Bill Turner fully practiced. And as mentioned above, the Broncos will be going without Simmons for the foreseeable future.

In Houston, the Texans held off OL Justin Brit (not due to injury), DL MalekCollins (knee) and Hughes (non-injury related) from practice. Three Texans were also limited in practice: DL Rasheem Green (thigh), TE Brevin Jordan (ankle), DB Isaac Yiadom (limited).

Note: The Broncos and Texans will update their injury reports throughout the week and will reflect here when available. To stay up to date, you can check this page for the latest available report.

Play by Play: Andrew Catalonia

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Play by Play: Jorg Sedano

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