Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, injuries are inevitable—but few teams have turned adversity into fuel like the 2024 Denver Broncos. Despite losing key contributors to injuries at critical positions, the Broncos have remained “absolutely nuclear” on both sides of the ball, maintaining an 8-2 record and a firm grip on the AFC West lead. Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a testament to their talent; it’s a celebration of their resilience—backup players stepping into starring roles, coaches adapting schemes on the fly, and a locker room culture that refuses to let setbacks derail their playoff push. From quarterback depth to defensive line rotations, the Broncos have turned potential weaknesses into strengths, proving that their success this season isn’t a fluke but a product of preparation, depth, and unwavering focus.

Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos begins with the team’s biggest injury challenge: a midseason rib injury to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. In Week 5, Cousins left the game against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter, forcing backup Bo Nix into action earlier than expected. Many analysts predicted the Broncos’ offense would stall—Nix, a former first-round pick, had only appeared in relief roles before—but instead, he engineered four fourth-quarter comebacks in his four starts, including a 24-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Nix’s performance wasn’t just lucky; it was a product of the Broncos’ preparation: Sean Payton had designed “package plays” for Nix during training camp, leveraging his mobility to complement Cousins’ pocket passing. Even when Cousins returned in Week 9, the Broncos didn’t abandon Nix—they integrated him into two-minute drills and short-yardage situations, creating a “quarterback by committee” approach that kept defenses off balance. This ability to thrive without their starting quarterback is a hallmark of the Broncos’ “nuclear” resilience.

Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos next dives into the running back room, where injuries forced the Broncos to rely on depth they’d built over the offseason. Starter Javonte Williams missed two weeks of practice with a hamstring strain in October, and backup Samaje Perine was sidelined for three games with a knee injury—leaving undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin and practice squad call-up Tyler Badie to carry the load. What could have been a disaster turned into a revelation: McLaughlin averaged 5.4 yards per carry in Perine’s absence, including a 112-yard performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, and emerged as a dynamic pass-catcher (15 receptions for 120 yards). Badie, meanwhile, proved reliable in short-yardage situations, converting 7 of 8 third-and-1 attempts. The Broncos’ running game didn’t just survive—it improved, averaging 4.8 yards per carry during the injury stretch (up from 4.6 before). This depth wasn’t an accident; Payton and general manager George Paton had prioritized signing versatile running backs in free agency and the draft, knowing injuries would eventually strike. Their foresight paid off, turning a potential weakness into a strength.

Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos highlights how the Denver Broncos’ defense has remained elite, even when key players missed time. Defensive tackle DJ Jones rested a nagging knee issue for two weeks of practice, and defensive end Randy Gregory missed one game with a calf strain—forcing rookies Sai’Vion Jones and Elijah Garcia into expanded roles. The results were stunning: Sai’Vion Jones recorded 2 sacks and a forced fumble in Gregory’s absence, while Garcia held his own against run-heavy offenses, limiting opponents to 3.2 yards per carry when he was on the field. The defense didn’t just maintain its top-3 ranking in points allowed (17.6 per game)—it improved, forcing 8 turnovers during the injury stretch (up from 13 in the first seven games). Part of this success comes from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme, which is designed to be “position-flexible”: linebackers can shift to defensive end, safeties can drop into slot coverage, and defensive tackles can split out to rush the passer. This adaptability means the Denver Broncos don’t have to overhaul their defense when a starter is injured—they just adjust, keeping the pressure on opponents.

Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos examines the role of Sean Payton’s coaching in turning injury setbacks into opportunities. Payton is known for his attention to detail, but his greatest strength this season has been his willingness to adapt. When Cousins was injured, he didn’t force Nix to play like Cousins—he let Nix play to his strengths, designing rollouts and quick-read passes that minimized his exposure to the pass rush. When Williams and Perine were sidelined, he added more screen passes and zone runs to McLaughlin’s skill set, turning him into a dual-threat weapon. Even on special teams, where kickoff returner Samaje Perine was injured, Payton promoted McLaughlin to the role—and McLaughlin responded with a 32-yard return that set up a touchdown against the Chargers. Payton’s approach isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about trust: he trusts his players to execute, even if they’re not starters, and he trusts his staff to prepare them. This trust has turned backups into heroes, and it’s a big reason the Denver Broncos have remained “nuclear” despite injuries.

Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos concludes with how this resilience has shaped the Broncos’ identity and positioned them for a deep playoff run. In the NFL, teams that win Super Bowls rarely stay healthy—they win in spite of injuries, relying on depth, preparation, and mental toughness. The Broncos have checked all those boxes: they’ve built a roster where every player, from starters to practice squad members, is ready to contribute; they’ve prepared for every scenario, from quarterback injuries to running back absences; and they’ve fostered a culture where no one makes excuses. This resilience has also made them a tougher team to beat: opponents know they can’t rely on the Broncos folding if a key player gets hurt—they have to play a perfect game to win. As the Broncos enter the final stretch of the season, their “nuclear” performance despite injuries isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a statement of intent. Absolutely Nuclear Despite Injuries for the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a celebration of what happens when preparation meets opportunity: a team that doesn’t just win games, but overcomes adversity in ways that make them dangerous. For Broncos fans, this season isn’t just about winning—it’s about watching a team that embodies the heart and grit of Denver itself.