The Denver Broncos suffered a gut-wrenching 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and honestly, it’s still hard to stomach.
However, we have to review before we can move on. We take a look at the studs and duds from the game.
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Stud: First half offense
Sep 14, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman (82) receives a pass from quarterback Bo Nix (10) (not pictured) to score a touchdown during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The Broncos did exactly what head coach Sean Payton asked: start fast. On three of their first four drives of the first half, Denver scored touchdowns, and Bo Nix looked great. He threw three touchdown passes, one to Troy Franklin, one to Adam Trautman and one to Marvin Mims. It looked like it would be a shootout going into the second half of the game.
Dud: Bo Nix’s turnover
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For the second-straight week, Bo Nix had an interception, at the most untimely point in the game possible. Nix’s interception stalled a great drive, and potentially a game-sealing drive. Taking care of the football wins games, and Nix’s interception led to three Colt points, in a game that was decided by one point.
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Stud: A budding rushing attack?
INDIANAPOLIS STAR-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
As a team, the Broncos rushed for over 100 yards again (118 total) and J.K. Dobbins had 14 carries for 76 yards. The run game was working early, which helped the passing game straight out of the gate. When will the Broncos have a 100-yard rusher in a game this season?
Dud: Watching the defense give up so many yards
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Boy, the defense was hard to watch today. The Colts, to their credit, had a number of explosive plays through the game. Whether it was Jonathon Taylor, who gouged the Broncos for 165 rushing yards, or Daniel Jones, who had 316 passing yards, the Colts ran circles around the defense all day. The Broncos stopped the Colts in the red zone twice, but they still gave up points.
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Dud: Penalties
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One of the straws that broke the Broncos’ back was penalties. A delay of game penalty from J.K. Dobbins, a roughing the passer penalty from Nik Bonitto and… the penalty which shall not be named kept drives going, and ultimately was one of the several reasons Denver lost. The Broncos had eight penalties for 83 yards, none more crucial than the 15-yarder at the end.
The schedule only gets harder from here — on deck is a road game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Studs and duds from 29-28 loss to Colts