Over the course of last week, the question was how will Denver bounce back from the crushing loss in Kansas City? Instead of rolling over, a fire was lit under their ass, and they dominated on both sides of the ball. Starting with the defense, the Falcons were held without a single touchdown for the first time this year and held scoreless for the first time since week one.

How it happened:

Denver's defense was adamant about slowing down Bijan Robinson, who led the NFL in scrimmage yards per game (129) the previous six weeks. Robinson was held to 35 yards on 12 rushing attempts, ending his day as the Falcons offensive leader with 63 total yards.

Cousins was pressured on 30.0% of his dropbacks, completing two passes for -2 yards & an interception by Cody Barton, his first of the year. Cousins was also sacked three times, twice by Nik Bonitto, who now has 9.0 on the year, leading all outside linebackers. Rookie Jonah Elliss also recorded a sack, which gives him three on the season. Zach Allen had a 12.4% pressure rate, his highest since week six. Allen's 46 pressures generated from defensive tackle are first in the NFL.

Surtain was targeted twice and did not allow a single reception while in coverage. Covering Drake London on 44.8% of his routes & Darnell Mooney on 27.6% of his. London, Mooney, & Kyle Pitts all combined for one reception in the second half.

The Offense's impact

On offense, the emphasis was to dominate through the air, which is exactly what they did. Bo Nix became the first rookie in NFL history with four passing TDs & 300 yards while completing 80% of his passes in one game. His 145.0 passer rating is the highest of his career, & he registered another career high of 9.3 yards per attempt.

The offense used pre-snap motion on 63.3% of their plays, the highest all year by a large margin. There was also an increased use of receiver screens, two of which resulted in touchdowns from inside the opposing 10-yard line.

The Falcons pass rush only pressured Nix five times, sacking him once on thirty-five dropbacks. Not a single pass rusher generated multiple pressures on the day; their 14.3% pressure rate is the lowest in a game this season. Garett Bolles is one of four tackles in the NFL that have played 600+ snaps this season and have only allowed 1 QB hit or less.

Broncos whose stock may be rising

Courtland Sutton had 7 receptions for 78 yards; since week 8, he has 370 yards, third in the NFL behind only Jamar Chase & Justin Jefferson.

Javonte Williams led the team in carries after a career low last week; he took advantage with 60 yards on just nine attempts.

Marvin Mims made do from the backfield, where he had the team's second longest play from scrimmage with a 37-yard wheel route. He took his second reception in for a touchdown on a crafty screen play. Mims has back-to-back games with at least 3 carries.