Broncos grades: In a game full of big swings and big plays, hidden yardage and decision making loom large

OFFENSE — C

A boring grade for an outing that was anything but. Bo Nix and the Broncos turned in several highlight-reel plays and one big-time drive late in regulation to send the game to overtime. But in between the Marvin Mims Jr. insanity was far too much ineffectiveness. They mustered just three first downs over their final three first-half possessions while the Bengals racked up a massive time-of-possession advantage. They went three-and-out twice in overtime, needing only a field goal in both situations. Credit where it’s due: Nix never flinched in the second half of the biggest NFL game he’s played in. But Denver’s going to need to find consistency next weekend if it wants to keep playing.

DEFENSE — C+

There’s no such thing as a fully good day when the other team scores 30 points, but Vance Joseph’s group gave the Broncos a lot of chances to win this one. They bent under the weight of three long first-half drives but surrendered just seven points. They harassed Joe Burrow to the tune of seven sacks. Pat Surtain II forced a fumble on Tee Higgins at a critical juncture in the fourth quarter. And yet, Burrow finished with 412 yards and three touchdown passes to Higgins, who gave Riley Moss all he could handle and thensome.

SPECIAL TEAMS — D

When the Broncos’ coaching staff watches the film of this game they are going to lament the punt unit’s performance. After a strong start to the season, punter Riley Dixon has hit a bit of a swoon and it showed in a major way Saturday. His two overtime punts traveled 40 and 38 yards, respectively. He averaged a season-low 41.5 yards per punt even though all four came from Denver territory, meaning none needed to be short by design. Ultimately, those alone did not cost the Broncos victory on Saturday night. But they certainly helped keep Cincinnati in consistently good field position, particularly late in the game. The Bengals were plus-9 in starting field position (own 34 to own 25) and averaged starting on their own 37 after punts.

COACHING — D

Sean Payton played for overtime at the end of regulation. His justification — he liked his team’s momentum and the fact that a win or a tie punched its playoff ticket — wasn’t without merit. But with Burrow on the other sideline and a chance to put it to bed, nobody would have blinked had he gone for it and missed. The Broncos ended up in the same place anyway. What’s more curious is playing ultra-aggressive against the Los Angeles Chargers a week ago and standing on that decision and then veering the other way on the road against a far leakier defense and a far more imposing offense. Liking your momentum in the moment could just as easily have been the justification for going for two.