Denver Broncos rookies produce in road loss to Los Angeles Chargers

Several Broncos rookies stepped up in a Thursday night road loss to the Chargers.

Quarterback Bo Nix, running back Audric Estime, wide receiver Devaughn Vele, and cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine all made big plays in a 34-27 defeat.

Nix showcased solid efficiency with 263 yards passing on 29 of 40 completions (72%) to 10 different targets.

He threw red-zone touchdown passes to fullback Mike Burton and Vele; who finished the game with two receptions for 21 yards.

Nix added 25 yards rushing on three carries.

Good and bad.

We left some opportunities out there," Nix told reporters at SoFi Stadium.

"We've got to look at why that was the case.

We've got to look back at the film and watch and be critical of ourselves." Estime after fumbling issues to begin this season scored his first NFL touchdown on a 3-yard rush in the first quarter.

But Estime closed the night with only nine carries for 48 yards.

Javonte Williams and rookie Blake Watson (activated from the practice squad) combined for 34 yards rushing on eight attempts.

The Broncos lacked offensive rhythm in the second half and were outscored 21-6 to close the game.

Broncos at Chargers grades: Denver misses chance to clinch postseason berth We didnt sustain (the run game) enough, and certainly, Ive got to look at each series, Broncos coach Sean Payton told reporters.

We had plenty of work on the run game.

...

I thought the young backs did a good job.

Abrams-Draine halted a Chargers scoring drive late in the second quarter when he intercepted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

The rookie cornerback undercut a post route by Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer, picked it off near the goal line, and ran it back 17 yards out of the end zone.

Abrams-Draine also recorded a pass deflection and four tackles.

The rookie Kris Abrams-Draine picks off Herbert in the end zone! #DENvsLAC on Prime VideoAlso streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/td0iVzozRg Overall, hes been a pleasant surprise watching (Abrams-Draine), Payton said.

Im encouraged that hes getting to play.

Some of these young guys are getting to play.

Audric (is) the same way.

So, well keep playing those guys.

The Broncos (9-6) face the Bengals (6-8) in Week 17 with another chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

"We know this next one is the most important," Nix said.

"We just want to go out next week and not feel this way again.".

This article has been shared from the original article on gazette, here is the link to the original article.