Courtland Sutton has been one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL over the last two seasons. It’s now high time he received his flowers.
With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Sutton’s production cannot be denied. Now pair his performances with the fact that he’s been the top wide receiver on a back-to-back playoff team and his impact becomes unquestionable.
Ever since Bo Nix entered the fold, his numbers have soared. Now with Jaylen Waddle in the mix, and with a high-octane, experienced offense, the sky is the limit with Sutton.
Blossoming With Bo
Before Nix arrived, Sutton had only ever reached 1,000 yards once. After a promising 704 yards in his 2018 rookie year, he then only put up 776 in 2021, 829 in 2022, and 772 in 2023. In fairness, much of his limited output can be attributed to poor quarterback play. Between 2021 and 2023, he had to catch passes from the likes of Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock, and Russell Wilson.
Even in his solid rookie year, it was Case Keenum throwing him the ball. Then, when he did manage to crack 1,000 in 2019, he did so despite poor performances from Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, and Brandon Allen. Additionally, in combination with his underwhelming quarterback play, his torn ACL in 2020, right as he was peaking, did not help. However, with Bo Nix now at the helm, Sutton seems to have found a second wind a little bit later in his career.
According to StatMuse, in the last two years with Nix, he ranks 13th in receiving yards. Sutton has quietly surpassed the likes of AJ Brown, Brock Bowers, DK Metcalf, and many more. Regarding touchdowns, he ranks 11th, finishing higher than AJ Brown, Nico Collins, and even Puka Nacua.
As a young, developing quarterback, Nix has relied heavily on his experienced veteran receiver. The two have clearly developed a bond that seems to keep getting stronger. Whether it be deep shots, underneath routes, or red zone targets, Sutton often seems to be Nix’s first read. And now, with Nix and the Broncos both starting to reach elite status, his connection with Sutton will likely follow suit.
Working With Waddle
In all the years that Sutton has been Denver’s WR1, he’s never truly played alongside an upper-echelon WR2. Sure, Jerry Jeudy had his moments, but even at his best, he never posed the threat that Waddle does. With back-to-back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years, Waddle has the kind of talent that can’t be taught. His presence, combined with Sutton’s, will have cornerbacks in shambles.
Some may expect Sutton’s numbers to decrease with Waddle stealing targets, but the opposite could likely be true. Due to his consistent lack of receiver help, secondaries have consistently focused all their attention on him. However, with Waddle now, defenses will have to pay attention to him and his tremendous speed.
Many of the best receivers in the league are a part of a dangerous duo that can free each other up. Nacua has Davante Adams, JaMarr Chase has Tee Higgins, and CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have each other. In fact, Nacua and Pickens each had career years alongside their stellar counterparts. Sutton’s story could turn out to be very similar.
Reliable Run Game
It’s clear that Sutton has spent most of his career suffering through unimpressive passing games. However, unfortunately, the same can also be said for Denver’s running game. The Broncos have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. In fact, they haven’t even had an 800-yard rusher since 2021.
Some may be wondering how this is a downside, as a worse rushing attacks leads to more passing attempts. And more passing attempts lead to more production from Sutton. However, that logic is incorrect. Offenses need efficient run games to keep defenses in check. If defenders in the secondary aren’t as worried on the run, they can zero in that much more on the #1 receiver. Which is exactly what has been happening to Sutton for years.
An elite run game plays a massive role in establishing an elite passing game. For instance, take a look at four of the top five receivers in receiving yards last year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Each receiver got to play with a 1,000-yard rusher in Kenneth Walker, Kyren Williams, Chase Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs, respectively. Admittedly, Denver does not have a back of that caliber, but they have two that can be just as productive.
Broncos’ Backfield
In J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey‘s first years in Denver, they both showed tremendous promise. Before Dobbins’ season-ending injury in Week 10, he was top-five in rushing yards on the year. He has always had the talent to be an elite NFL rusher, but injuries, time and again, have thwarted him. As for Harvey, he took substantial strides, gaining experience and seemingly improving each week with Dobbins out.
With a season under their belts and with Dobbins thankfully re-signed, both backs have now fully acclimated to Sean Payton‘s offense. Harvey will continue to develop, while Dobbins will continue to produce when healthy. Simply put, the Broncos have an exceptional rushing attack that will surely engage defenses and free up Sutton.
Striving Sutton
This Broncos offense may be the best Denver has seen since the Peyton Manning years. They have found their franchise quarterback, their offensive line is fantastic, and they finally have formidable skill position players ready to punish defenses.
After two terrific seasons with Nix, Sutton is ready for another with no signs of slowing down. Between Nix, Waddle, Dobbins and Harvey, he can finally identify help in every direction.
Though he may be 30 years old, all signs point towards Sutton having the best season of his life in 2026.
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