Broncos take down Cardinals to continue strong start

The Denver Broncos travelled to State Farm Stadium to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, looking to build on a 4-2 start and continue their strong run of form against NFC opposition. The Cardinals, meanwhile, entered the contest at 2-4, searching for consistency after a difficult opening stretch to the season under Mike LaFleur.

With Bo Nix leading Denver’s offense against a Cardinals defense that had struggled to contain opponents, Arizona were always going to need a strong performance from veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett and tight end Trey McBride to keep pace with the visitors.

Denver started brightly, with Nix connecting with Courtland Sutton for a 20-yard gain to move the Broncos into Arizona territory. However, the Cardinals’ defense stifled them inside the red zone, forcing Denver to settle for a 48-yard field goal from Wil Lutz to open the scoring.

The Broncos continued to control the early stages, and Lutz added a second field goal, this time from 43 yards, to extend Denver’s advantage to 6-0. Arizona struggled to establish its offense in the opening quarter, with Denver’s defense limiting the home side’s opportunities.

The Cardinals finally got on the scoreboard in the second quarter. Chad Ryland converted a 30-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 3, before adding another from 26 yards to level the contest at 6-6, as neither team could complete any drive with a touchdown.

Just when Arizona appeared to have wrestled back momentum, Nix produced the most notable play of an otherwise dull first half. Escaping the pocket, the Broncos quarterback found space and raced 62 yards downfield for a remarkable rushing touchdown. Lutz converted the extra point, restoring Denver’s lead at 7 points with less than a minute remaining before the break.

Denver carried that momentum into the third quarter, with Nix delivering another explosive play. The quarterback found running back RJ Harvey, who turned a short catch behind the line of scrimmage into a 52-yard touchdown reception, extending the Broncos’ advantage to 20-6.

Arizona responded through its most reliable offensive weapon. Brissett connected with McBride for a 7-yard touchdown, with Ryland adding the extra point to bring the Cardinals back within a touchdown.

The Broncos quickly answered, putting together another productive drive that ended with JK Dobbins plowing into the end zone from a yard out. Lutz’s successful conversion restored Denver’s 14-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

Lutz added a 31-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 30-13, leaving Arizona with an unassailable deficit to overcome.

The Cardinals continued to fight, and Ryland knocked through a 41-yard field goal to bring the score to 30-16. However, Denver’s defense held firm when it mattered, preventing Arizona from finding the end zone again and protecting the Broncos’ lead through the closing stages.

Despite the Cardinals having more possession, Denver proved more efficient with its opportunities, using explosive plays from Nix and Harvey to create separation on the scoreboard. The Broncos’ ability to produce points at key moments ultimately proved decisive, as they secured a 30-16 road victory.

Touchdowns
Denver: Harvey, Dobbins, Nix
Arizona: McBride

Top Performers
Denver: Harvey, Lutz, Nix, McMillian
Arizona: McBride, Ryland, Burke

Injuries
Denver: Harvey, Lutz, Nix, McMillian
Arizona: N/A

Crowd: TBC @ State Farm Arena