Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players in win vs. Falcons

On Friday evening, the Denver Broncos traveled to Atlanta and emerged victorious in their preseason opener, defeating the Falcons with a score of 27-7. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), here are the best (and worst) player grades from Denver’s performance.

Among the team's offensive standout performers, wide receiver Courtland Sutton led the pack with a grade of 95.3. He caught all three of his targets for 60 yards, contributing to an early 7-0 lead with a 40-yard touchdown reception. On the offensive line, left tackle Garett Bolles earned a 89.1, while right guard Quinn Meinerz posted a 82.0. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger received a 78.6, and running back Jonah Coleman scored a 78.2.

In contrast, the worst offensive players included wide receiver Kyrese Rowan with a 35.7 grade, offensive tackle Frank Crum at 40.8, tight end Lucas Krull with a 41.6, running back Jaleel McLaughlin with a 44.5, and right tackle Mike McGlinchey at 45.5. McLaughlin started well, rushing six times for 24 yards but lost a fumble that resulted in Atlanta's only touchdown of the game.

Defensively, the Broncos' best players included outside linebacker Jonah Elliss with a 91.3 grade, outside linebacker Que Robinson at 87.2, cornerback Sean Fresch with an 86.7, defensive end Malcolm Roach at 82.2, and defensive back JL Skinner with a 77.2. Skinner recorded five tackles, including one behind the line and one stop on special teams, and is vying for a backup safety and special teamer role.

The team's worst defensive grades were handed to outside linebacker Nik Bonitto at 30.1, defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike at 30.3, nose tackle D.J. Jones with a 38.9, cornerback Ja Quan McMillian at 43.5, and defensive end Tyler Onyedim at 52.7. Despite these grades, Denver's first-team defense performed impressively in the game.