OLB Nik Bonitto
In absentia, the second-year pass-rusher’s importance showed through clearly in the Motor City. Denver struggled to consistently heat up Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Nobody’s generated more consistent pressure for the Broncos than Bonitto, who missed the game due to a left knee injury sustained against the Los Angeles Chargers. None of the remaining offenses on the schedule pose the kind of every-down threat Goff and Detroit did, but even still, Denver should be hoping to get Bonitto back sooner rather than later. Head coach Sean Payton indicated Bonitto is not looking at an injured reserve stint, meaning he’s hopeful to play again in the regular season.