The Broncos' best rushing performance in over a decade leads the team to a “Thursday Night Football” victory

NEW ORLEANS — In a “Thursday Night Football” showdown, Denver’s running game stole the spotlight.

The Broncos gained 225 yards on the ground, marking the team's best rushing performance in over a decade.

“I think when we run the ball, we're a tough team to beat,” left tackle Garett Bolles said after Thursday's win over the Saints.

Denver set the tone early when rookie quarterback Bo Nix scrambled up the middle of the field on the first play from scrimmage for a 14-yard gain. Nix never looked back, rushing for 75 yards and averaging 7.5 yards per carry in the win. Nix's longest leg play came on a designed run in the third quarter, and the 32-yard rush set up a Javonte Williams touchdown on the next play.

“I think that’s just an added bonus,” Nix said of his ability to run the ball. “Obviously with running backs you want to run the ball in a special way and get behind the O-line. Sometimes things break and those hidden yards are really important in my opinion. They get extra first downs, and they are. “So it was good to see that, put it to good use, and that’s what we need to continue to do when the time comes.”

While the Broncos capitalized on those opportunities with Nix's 10 carries, Williams contributed and more, leading the team with 88 rushing yards and an average of 6.3 yards per carry. The fourth-year running back, who leads Denver in total yards on the ground this season, also reached the end zone twice, marking the first game of his career with multiple rushing touchdowns.

“Javonte had some really good runs,” head coach Sean Payton said Thursday. “When you have a night like this full of hustle and possession, the script is flipped a little bit compared to last week.”

Williams, who said this was his best game of the year rushing-wise, noted that there are still a few things he wants to clean up and improve as he moves forward. Nonetheless, it was a performance that gave him and his teammates some confidence and one he wants to enjoy.

“It felt great,” Williams said. “Just getting the win here in New Orleans for Coach Payton, having two touchdowns and having a (long weekend) so I can enjoy it a little bit longer, that felt good.”