The Week 4 clash between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals unfolded under prime-time lights in Denver, but what was expected to be a tense AFC showdown quickly turned into a Broncos masterclass. Denver’s 28–3 blowout victory showcased balance, discipline, and sheer dominance across every statistical category. For Cincinnati, still reeling without Joe Burrow, the matchup exposed cracks that went far beyond the quarterback position.
This deep dive explores every dimension of the contest—from offensive efficiency to defensive suffocation—while breaking down the full player stats behind one of Denver’s most impressive wins in recent years.
I. Bengals Start Fast, Broncos Take Control
Cincinnati struck first with a composed opening drive that mixed short passes with controlled runs, culminating in a field goal. At that moment, the Bengals looked like they might settle into a rhythm despite the hostile Denver crowd.
But after that initial spark, the game flipped sharply.
Denver’s defense tightened immediately—adjusting alignments, shutting down crossers, and applying pressure from multiple angles. The Bengals’ first drive accounted for 45 of their 159 total yards, a stat symbolizing their sudden offensive collapse.
For the next three and a half quarters, the Broncos dictated every inch of the field.
II. Bo Nix Takes Command: 326 Yards of Poise & Precision
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix delivered the most complete performance of his young NFL career. His 29-of-42, 326-yard, 2-touchdown stat line only scratches the surface of just how confidently he dissected the Bengals defense.
Nix’s pocket presence—calm, controlled, almost veteran-like—kept Cincinnati’s pass rush ineffective. His ball placement on intermediate throws, especially between linebackers and safeties, showcased his growing mastery of NFL timing windows.
Bo Nix Key Stats
- 29/42 passing
- 326 yards
- 2 TD, 1 INT
- Zero sacks allowed on designed passes
- Completed passes to eight different receivers
His ability to spread the ball created balance and unpredictability—hallmarks of an offense starting to click at the perfect time.
III. J.K. Dobbins Breaks the 38-Game Rushing Curse
The Broncos entered this game carrying an ugly streak: 38 consecutive games without a 100-yard rusher. That drought ended emphatically as J.K. Dobbins exploded for 101 yards on 16 carries.
Dobbins showcased burst, agility, and patience—slashing through the Bengals’ front seven and repeatedly moving the chains.
Rushing Breakdown
- J.K. Dobbins: 101 yards
- Marvin Mims Jr.: 16-yard rushing TD
- Team rushing total: 173 yards
For the first time in years, Denver’s offense displayed true run-pass symmetry, and Cincinnati’s linebackers had no answer.
IV. Courtland Sutton and the Aerial Attack Take Over
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Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton continued his strong season with 81 yards on 5 receptions, including a precision-timed touchdown grab where he boxed out the defender at the goal line.
Denver’s entire receiving corps stepped up:
Receiving Standouts
- Courtland Sutton: 81 yards, TD
- Marvin Mims Jr.: Key gadget plays + TD
- TE group: Seam, chip-release, and middle-field efficiency
- Total team receiving: 326 yards
Nix’s distribution ensured no defender could key on one target, forcing Cincinnati’s secondary into constant miscommunication.
V. Bengals’ Offense Collapses Without Burrow
The Bengals’ offense was outmatched from the second quarter onward. With Jake Browning under center, Cincinnati managed only 125 passing yards, failed to score a touchdown, and produced no explosive plays.
Browning’s Night
- 14/25 passing
- 125 yards
- 0 TD / 0 INT
- Sacked 3 times
- Only six completions beyond five yards downfield
Cincinnati’s lack of a vertical threat and inability to sustain drives kept their defense on the field far too long.
VI. Denver Defense Puts on a Clinic
The Broncos’ defense dominated every facet of the game and turned Jake Browning’s night into a constant scramble for survival.
Defensive Highlights
- 159 total yards allowed (elite NFL standard)
- 3 sacks
- Zero 20+ yard plays allowed
- 7 Bengals drives ending with 5 yards or less
- Controlled time of possession
This defensive performance wasn’t lucky—it was methodical suffocation.
VII. Third-Down Execution: The Stat That Defined the Game
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The Broncos’ offense thrived on third down, especially in the first half where they converted 6 of 8 attempts (75%). These conversions extended drives, wore down Cincinnati’s defense, and enabled the Broncos to dictate tempo.
Meanwhile, the Bengals faced repeated third-and-long situations due to sacks, penalties, and negative plays. Their inability to convert killed momentum and boxed in their playbook.
Third-down efficiency was arguably the defining differential of the matchup.
VIII. Special Teams: Quiet Efficiency That Tilted the Field
While not flashy, Denver’s special teams unit played a key role in the hidden-yardage battle. Punters repeatedly pinned Cincinnati deep, forcing long fields for an already struggling offense.
This field position imbalance contributed significantly to Cincinnati’s offensive stagnation.
IX. Identity Check: Broncos Gain One, Bengals Lose One
Denver’s Identity Firmed Up
- A stable, confident rookie QB
- A running game reborn
- A suffocating, opportunistic defense
- Balanced situational football
Cincinnati’s Identity in Jeopardy
- Offense lacks explosiveness without Burrow
- Protection problems
- No vertical threat
- Defense exhausted due to time-of-possession disparity
The Broncos look like a team rising; the Bengals look like a team searching for answers.
X. Player Stats Summary
Denver Broncos — Key Offensive Stats
| Player | Stats |
|---|---|
| Bo Nix (QB) | 29/42, 326 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| J.K. Dobbins (RB) | 16 carries, 101 yards |
| Courtland Sutton (WR) | 5 rec, 81 yards, TD |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | 16-yard rush TD |
| Team Offense | 512 yards total |
Cincinnati Bengals — Offensive Stats
| Player | Stats |
|---|---|
| Jake Browning (QB) | 14/25, 125 yards |
| Team Rushing | Under 50 yards |
| Total Offense | 159 yards total |
XI. Final Thoughts: A Defining Win for Denver
The Broncos dominated this game from start to finish—offensively, defensively, and in situational football. Their 28–3 victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
For the Bengals, this game highlighted the harsh reality of life without their franchise leader. Offensive stagnation, protection issues, and a fatigued defense told the story.
For Denver, however, the story is optimism:
A young quarterback maturing quickly.
A running game resurrected.
A defense capable of winning games outright.
This complete breakdown of the matchup is presented by Empire Magazines, your destination for sharp, data-driven sports journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the final score of the Denver Broncos vs. Bengals game?
The Denver Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 28–3, delivering one of their most dominant performances of the season.
2. Who was the top performer for the Broncos in this matchup?
Bo Nix led the Broncos with 326 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing remarkable command as a rookie quarterback.
3. Did the Broncos finally break their rushing curse?
Yes. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 101 yards, ending Denver’s 38-game streak without a 100-yard rusher.
4. How many total yards did the Broncos gain in the game?
Denver accumulated 512 total yards, combining an explosive passing attack with a revitalized ground game.
5. Why did the Bengals struggle offensively?
Without Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ offense struggled to generate rhythm. Backup QB Jake Browning was pressured throughout and finished with only 125 passing yards.
6. How effective was the Broncos’ defense?
Denver’s defense was exceptional, allowing just 159 total yards, recording 3 sacks, and preventing any Bengals touchdowns.
7. Which Broncos receiver had the biggest impact?
Courtland Sutton led the receiving corps with 81 yards and a touchdown, making several critical plays across the middle and red zone.
8. Did special teams play a role in the outcome?
Yes. Denver’s punting and coverage units consistently pinned Cincinnati deep, contributing to their offensive struggles and poor field position.
9. How many receivers did Bo Nix target in the game?
Nix spread the ball brilliantly, targeting eight different receivers, which kept Cincinnati’s defense off balance all night.
10. What does this game mean for both teams moving forward?
For Denver, the victory solidifies their emerging identity with balanced offense and strong defense. For Cincinnati, the loss highlights ongoing challenges without Joe Burrow and the need for offensive adjustments.
