Courtland Sutton, Bo Nix, Denver Broncos. Photo Credit: Getty Images
In the Denver Broncos’ locker room, Courtland Sutton is often seen stacking water bottles neatly into the team cooler, embodying his motto: “The more you can do.” The veteran receiver’s selflessness extends beyond the locker room, as seen during Sunday’s 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. At one point, Sutton knelt to tie guard Ben Powers’ cleat, proving once again that he’s always willing to help his team.
But Sutton’s biggest contributions come on the field, where his chemistry with rookie quarterback Bo Nix has become a driving force behind Denver’s recent surge. Over the past five games, Sutton’s reliability has been a cornerstone for the Broncos (7-5) as they climb into the AFC playoff picture.
A Reliable Target for a Young QB
Nix, navigating his first NFL season, has found in Sutton a dependable target. “He is just reliable, he’s just always there where you need him,” Nix said, who has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Broncos. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball is in the air. You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.”
Since a rare zero-target game in Week 7 against the Saints, Sutton has been on a tear. His five highest yardage totals of the season have come in the last five games, including two 100-yard performances. Over that stretch, he’s hauled in three touchdowns, including two on Sunday — his first two-touchdown game since 2019.
Sutton now has 57 receptions for 744 yards and five touchdowns this season and is on pace to eclipse his career highs in receptions (72) and receiving yards (1,112), both set in 2019.
A Game-Changing Moment
Sunday’s pivotal moment came in the third quarter after safety Brandon Jones returned an interception to the Raiders’ 18-yard line. Trailing 13-9, Nix wasted no time, lofting a pass to Sutton in the back right corner of the end zone. Despite tight coverage from cornerback Jack Jones, Sutton came down with the touchdown, giving the Broncos a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
“It’s a like a dare,” said Sutton, who has 57 receptions for 744 yards and five touchdowns this season. “It’s like … we’re going to give you 1-on-1, what are you going to do with it? And Bo gave me a chance, that’s all we needed. … We were able to capitalize on it, you know, our guy was better than their guy that play.”
Sutton’s performance in the second half — eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns — underscored his importance to the Broncos’ offense.
Building Trust
Nix has leaned heavily on Sutton in tight situations, as evidenced by Sutton ranking 13th in the NFL in tight-window targets (defender within one yard at the catch point). The next-best Bronco, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, ranks 86th.
Despite stretches of limited involvement earlier in the season, Sutton has avoided pressuring Nix for more targets. Instead, he offers subtle encouragement. “He [has] a thousand things on his mind, I’m not going to go over there and say ‘Hey, gimme the ball,'” Sutton said. “It’s a little subtler, ‘Hey, I got you, my boy.’ Just a little reminder when things aren’t going the way we want them to go.”
Nix has responded, throwing 11 of his 16 touchdown passes in the last five games. His 68.6 QBR during this stretch ranks eighth in the NFL.
Looking Ahead
Sutton’s offseason contract negotiations may have drawn headlines, but his on-field performance has been nothing short of team-first. “We continue to find those connections, continue to find what works for both of us,” Sutton said. “I think it’s going to be something special. We’ve been able to do some things, and we’re scratching the surface of it. … It’s just exciting to have that guy back there.”
As the Broncos hold the No. 7 spot in the AFC playoff race, the growing partnership between Sutton and Nix could be the key to keeping their postseason hopes alive.
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This report used information from ESPN.
