The Denver Broncos were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 13-6 to fall to 0-2 on the year. It was another tough game for the Broncos offense, with rookie Bo Nix throwing two interceptions and the team failing to score a single touchdown in the game. It was a frustrating game and it is starting to look like it is going to be a long year for the Broncos.

With that said, here are the winners and losers from the Denver Broncos’ 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Loser – Broncos Offense

I could break this down between Nix, the run game, the drops, the poor blocking and the play calling, but the entire offense comes out of this game a loser.

Nix finished the game 20 for 35 for 246 yards and 2 interceptions. To his credit, he played better in the second half, but a costly end-zone interception really hurt the Broncos in this game. The final interception came on a hail-mary attempt, but still not a great performance by the rookie quarterback.

The run game was once again abysmal as we saw Bo Nix lead the team in rushing for the second straight week. Javonte Williams had 11 carries for 17 yards in a pathetic effort and the Broncos run game as a whole once again struggled to do anything.

The Broncos’ expensive offensive line struggled again this week to protect and open up running lanes. Garett Bolles was flagged several times and struggled on a number of key plays throughout the game.

Greg Dulcich had two ugly drops in this game and the wide receivers didn’t do much in this game outside of a couple of splash plays. A trick play to Josh Reynolds and Lil’Jordan Humphrey making some plays in the final minutes were highlights of this unit.

Generally speaking, if you only score six points, the entire offense and the coaches end up losing.

Loser – Penalty Shootout

The Broncos played undisciplined football in this game and it cost them in the long run. They had 9 penalties for 124 yards in this game, which when you add that to the offensive issues, was just too much for the Broncos to overcome.

They need to address this now or it’s going to be a long year for the Broncos.

Winner – Broncos Defense

While it wasn’t a perfect outing for the Broncos defense, they kept the team in this game until late in the fourth quarter. Justin Fields was limited to just 117 yards passing, but they gave up 141 yards on the ground.

That said, they held the Steelers to just 13 points, made some key stops on third down, and kept the Broncos in the game. It was far from a perfect outing, but overall they played decently.

Winner – Riley Dixon

You know it’s tough when I have to dig deep to include the punt as the winner. Dixon kicked well for the Broncos, pinning the Steelers on the one-yard line in this game. He’s arguably been one of the Broncos’ best players through the first two weeks of the season.

Loser – Sean Payton

He has started the season 0-2 for the second straight year, his offense has struggled and the rookie quarterback he hand-picked has yet to throw a touchdown and has four interceptions.

The Broncos gave up a first-round pick for Sean Payton and are paying him big money to turn this franchise around. It hasn’t been a great start for him so far this season. His expensive offensive line is struggling, he’s been overmatched by his coach, and the team is playing undisciplined football.

I expected better and I hope we see improvement in the future.

Other winners and losers

• Winner: EDGE Jonah Eliss – He recorded his first career sack in this game and could see more playing time now that Baron Browning has injured his foot.
• Winner: WR Josh Reynolds – He led the Broncos with 4 receptions for 93 yards and was instrumental in several key moments
• Loser: TE Greg Dulcich – Had two ugly drops
• Loser: S PJ Locke – He got a personal foul in the final stages and then lost his cool. Sean Payton gave him a good beating and he was benched.
• Loser: RB Jaleel McLaughlin – A week after leading the team in carries, he had just three carries in this game
• Loser: WR/KR Marvin Mims Jr – A week after fans and media clamored for more Mims, he had just one reception for 8 yards and played no significant role in the return game.
• Loser: Broncos fans – This is worthless.