Defensive lineman Zach Allen, receiver Pat Bryant added to injury report Thursday along with D.J. Jones.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It’s not like the Denver defense was exposed or the Washington Commanders discovered a defect in Vance Joseph’s unit.

It’s just the Broncos weren’t quite as strong as they usually are against a struggling opponent. The Broncos beat the Commanders, 27-26 on Sunday night in Landover, Md. But even with standouts Pat Surtain II and Alex Singleton returning from injury and illness to the Denver lineup, Washington moved the ball.

There were three completions by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota for at least 20 yards and four runs for at least 11 yards. The vaunted Denver pass rush only mustered two sacks while Washington accumulated 30 first downs and 419 total yards, albeit thanks in part to a possession in overtime.

To the Denver D’s credit, that final OT possession ended with pass rusher Nik Bonitto knocking away a 2-point, do-or-die conversion pass by Mariota for the Broncos victory.

“I thought we played OK, in my opinion,’’ Joseph said Thursday. “I wasn’t totally pleased with our tackling. We missed like 10 tackles for 45 yards. A couple third downs early weren’t very good. We settled down and made some plays but we can play better.

“After every game we play we watch the tape and we honestly what’s good, what’s bad, if it’s bad we fix it, if it’s good we celebrate it. So no different there but we can obviously play better. And we have played better and I expect us to play better.”

The Denver D played great against the Raiders four weeks ago in a 10-7 Thursday night win at Empower Field at Mile High. Since then the Raiders have fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and replaced him with old reliable Greg Olson.

While Kelly has been boom-or-bust as an offensive coach, Olson has been more steady. Nothing flashy. But usually capable. He’s been an offensive coordinator for the Lions, St. Louis Rams, Bucs, Jaguars and three stints with the Raiders.

“He’s been a good coach for a long time,’’ Joseph said. “I’m going to wait and see what he gives us and adjust accordingly but he’s a good football coach. Their best player is (tight end Brock) Bowers obviously and the runner (rookie Ashton Jeanty). Our main thing is not let Bowers beat us in any capacity. First, second or third down.”

Bowers had only one catch against the Broncos in their first game this season.


Allen, Bryant added to injury report

This raised eyebrows. Defensive tackle Zach Allen and receiver Pat Bryant, who were not on the injury report following practice Wednesday, were listed on Thursday’s injury update. Allen participated in the team stretch but was designated a non-participant with a calf injury. Bryant was limited with a hamstring injury, which usually he means he tweaked the hammy sometime during practice Thursday.

The Broncos have been practicing inside on the artificial surface of the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse this week because of inclement weather. They are also playing indoors this Sunday at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, although the Raiders roll in natural grass for their playing surface.

Denver starting nose tackle D.J. Jones was again a non-participant with an ankle injury Thursday, although he seemed to be walking fine as he left the fieldhouse following the team’s walkthrough.