Third and Long: Broncos’ run D made big strides

The Broncos did a good job Sunday of keeping the run-heavy Texans to minimal gains on first-down runs.

The Texans ran the ball 18 times on first down for 42 yards (2.33 ypc) and 11 of that came on Deshaun Watson scrambles. Broncos were tremendous at limiting Lamar Miller on first down runs. He carried the ball 10 times for a total of eight yards on first downs. With this performance, the Broncos’ run D moved up to 27th at stopping the run on first down, which is significant given that Broncos were dead last after the game against the Rams.

Broncos are one of the better teams in the league at not allowing another first down run after a first down, allowing only 11.9 percent of runs on first down to gain a first down. That is fifth best in the league. For comparison, Cleveland allows 27.3 percent of first down runs to gain another first down.

Broncos also forced Houston into seven third-and-long situations. The only conversion Broncos allowed was on the holding penalty from Su’a Cravens. Overall Broncos held the Texans to 5 of 14 on third-down conversions, including the conversion by penalty.

For the season Broncos are now allowing conversion on 29.5 percent of third-and-longs - which is 26th in the league. The Vikings are still No. 1, allowing conversion on only 13.8 percent of third-and-long situations.