Courtland Sutton proving to be an excellent playmaker in 2021

Courtland Sutton hasn’t been billed as a deep threat often in his career, but now that he’s fully healthy, his speed has started to come alive so far this season.

The NFL’s biggest trend in recent years has been Next Gen Stats tracking, enabled by Zebra Technologies’ on-field tracking. They release all sorts of interesting analytical data that measure player performance.

This week, they released their statistics and tracking data across the league through Week 6. Courtland Sutton found himself among some rather impressive names for an eyebrow-raising stat.

Most Snaps Reaching 20+ mph Among Offensive Players

Henry Ruggs: 11

Tyreek Hill: 8

Courtland Sutton: 7

D.J. Moore: 6

Ja’Marr Chase: 6

Broncos fans are very familiar with one of those names and are starting to become more familiar with the leader, but Sutton being right up there with the speedsters in Henry Ruggs and Tyreek Hill is certainly an interesting stat. For reference, look at each players’ 40 times coming out of college:

Henry Ruggs: 4.27
Tyreek Hill: 4.29
DJ Moore: 4.42
Ja’Marr Chase: 4.34
Courtland Sutton: 4.54

What’s even more impressive is Sutton is moving like that at about 6’3 and roughly 220 pounds. None of those other players on that list are even close size-wise to Sutton. He’s quickly becoming a stellar receiver for the Broncos. Him and Jerry Jeudy should be a dynamic duo for years, provided they stay healthy.

Courtland Sutton currently has recorded 33 receptions, 471 yards, and two touchdowns on the season.

Horse Tracks

Injury Report: Teddy Bridgewater among three Broncos questionable for #DENvsCLE

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, left tackle Garett Bolles, and safety Caden Sterns were all labeled as questionable on the final injury report before Thursday’s matchup against the Browns.

Broncos promote ILBs Curtis Robinson, Barrington Wade to active roster, place Alexander Johnson, Andre Mintze on injured reserve

Due to the injuries at the linebacker position, the Broncos promoted rookies Curtis Robinson and Barrington Wade to fill in on the active roster. Alexander Johnson was placed on season-ending IR with a pectoral injury.

Broncos’ Von Miller sends message to whoever plays tackle for Browns this week: ‘I’m (going to) kill him’

With the Browns missing their starting tackles, they’ve had to rely on fringe backups James Hudson and Blake Hance at the tackle spot. Potential future Hall of Famer Von Miller sounds like he’s ready to go off on Thursday night.

Broncos promote WR Tyrie Cleveland to active roster, sign WR David Moore to practice squad

Wide Receivers Tyrie Cleveland and David Moore swap places for Denver in between the practice squad and the active roster.

With Baker Mayfield ailing, Cleveland Browns to start Case Keenum vs. Denver Broncos

Baker Mayfield’s shoulder injury as well as reports of other aggravated injuries have led to the Browns deciding to rest him on a short week against the Denver Broncos. Instead, the team will line up Case Keenum at quarterback this week.