Renck vs. Keeler: Time to be concerned about regression for Broncos’ Courtland Sutton?
Renck: Courtland Sutton’s stat line is like a Truth Social post by President Trump — all caps. He has seven catches in two games and posted a single reception in Sunday’s loss at Indianapolis. We figured teams would make life more difficult for Sutton after recognizing how dependent Bo Nix became on him last season. That’s where Evan Engram comes in to ease the burden. Well, maybe not. The Broncos have a No. 2 receiver in Troy Franklin, but do they have a No. 1? Should we be concerned about Sutton’s slow start? Keeler: Courtland was held more times against the Colts than a newborn during its first Thanksgiving visit to Grandma’s. It’s going to be hip to say that Sutton, who turns 30 next month, has lost a step. I’m more concerned that other teams are going to follow Indy’s lead and grab, grab, grab until the zebras start consistently punishing them for it. The Colts got away with too darn much of that early on. Renck: Sunday, Sutton contributed in reality more than fantasy leagues. He drew two penalties on cornerback Xavier Howard on a touchdown drive that shoved the Broncos ahead 21-13. Sutton is facing regression, which is why his current pace of 60 catches for 570 yards is worth noting. Can he finish with 75 catches and 1,000 yards? Sure. But I am no longer convinced. Engram’s lack of production is alarming because he is not even starting and is ceding snaps to Adam Trautman. He has never played fewer in back-to-back games in his career than he has to start this season. It puts more pressure on Sutton, but teams are clearly not going to let him beat them on crossing routes on third down. Keeler: Against Tennessee, Nix targeted Sutton three times on third down — two got converted, one via penalty, while a third-and-9 pass late was ruled, after replay, to be a yard short. The two times he tried No. 18 on third down against the Colts, one throw was incomplete and the other got picked off. Defenses are catching on. Not good. That speaks to the lack of a “Joker” option, the lack of tight end production, and, ultimately, to the personnel. When the Broncos traded Devaughn Vele after he “overproduced” last fall, we all applauded. If Sutton can’t fight through the physicality, you wonder if that kind of chain-moving, big-body target will be missed. Paging Pat Bryant! Renck: Hall of Famer Kurt Warner told me recently he did not view the Broncos as a Super Bowl contender because of the lack of offensive firepower. He believes in Sutton. His history in this offense suggests he will get going, even if it never matches last season. But if the first two weeks have told us anything, it’s that Franklin could determine whether this passing attack is explosive or average. Sutton has morphed into a solid team captain, remaining an unselfish leader. But the Broncos need his stats as much as his advice. Related Articles How bad do Broncos need Dre Greenlaw? How Colts exposed Denver’s ILBs in coverage Sean Payton takes blame for late FG penalty, says Broncos shouldn’t have tried to block 60-yarder Broncos stock report: Bo Nix’s accuracy back on track, but where’s Evan Engram? Parker Gabriel’s 7 thoughts after the Broncos’ Week 2 loss to Colts How Broncos WR Troy Franklin started ‘stopping like a Tesla’ en route to Week 2 breakout Keeler: Sutton’s earned Payton’s respect for his off-field demeanor — no mean feat. And his blocking on the perimeter aided to the cause in Indy, even when he wasn’t seeing the ball. But the coach and wideout have to figure out ways to keep him involved in the passing game. Since 2022, the Broncos are 4-8 when Sutton catches two balls or fewer. When he’s targeted four or fewer times, Denver is 4-7. It’s on Sutton to fight through the traffic. And it’s on Payton to get creative. No. 18 can’t help you if he’s a $92 million decoy. Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
