Pick Six: Who is up and who is down after the Broncos win in Week 3

After a third victory to start the 2021 season, there are more players on Denver's roster who see their stock rising than those who are falling

BY JAMES MERILATT

Sep 28, 2021, 8:56 AM

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Three weeks into the season, the Broncos are 3-0. Yes, it’s because of victories over the Giants, Jaguars and Jets, three teams that are a combined 0-9. But Denver can only face the opponents on their schedule. They’ve taken care of business, posting three dominant wins.

The latest came on Sunday, when the Broncos beat the Jets by a 26-0 count. In the game, there were plenty of positives. But there were also a few negatives.

Who fell into each category? Here’s this week’s “Pick Six:”

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Justin Simmons – Up

The safety’s streak of consecutive snaps played came to an end against the Jets, as he got a break at the end of the blowout win, but Simmons did record his first interception of the season. He continues to play at an All-Pro level in Denver’s secondary.

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K.J. Hamler – Down

Injuries are starting to bite the Broncos, with Hamler being the latest victim. He went high for an errant pass against the Jets, came down awkwardly and tore his ACL, ending the wide receiver’s second season prematurely. Denver is now down two receivers, as Jerry Jeudy is still sidelined with a high-ankle sprain.

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Alexander Johnson – Up

People keep complaining about the Broncos inside linebackers, while Johnson continues to ignore the noise and play at a high level. Against the Jets, he was arguably Denver’s best defensive player, racking up five tackles, two sacks and two tackles for a loss. He was everywhere, causing havoc.

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Javonte Williams – Down

The rookie running back got into the end zone against New York, but the rest of his day wasn’t a good one. All told, Williams had just 29 rushing yards on 12 carries, a meager 2.4 yards per carry. He also had a fumble in the red zone, a blunder that landed him in the doghouse.

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Tim Patrick – Up

Patrick continues to be the Broncos unsung hero on offense. While others get most of the ink, the wideout repeatedly delivers. Against the Jets, he post team highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (98). With Hamler and Jeudy sidelined, his role will only increase in the coming weeks.

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Von Miller – Up

Another game, another sack for Miller. After missing all of last season with a foot injury, the Broncos all-time leader in sacks now has four in the first three games of the 2021 campaign. He posted another one on Sunday, as he’s reached the quarterback in every game this season.