The Broncos sacked Colts quarterback Daniel Jones just one time in a heartbreaking 29-28 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium.

It was quite a reversal from Week 1 when Denver totaled six sacks against Titans quarterback Cam Ward in a home victory. On Monday, defensive end Zach Allen explained why he isn’t concerned about Denver’s pass rush entering a road test in Week 3 against the Chargers.

“I’m not worried about the pass rush. I think, obviously, Week 1 was special with six sacks. I would love for it to be like that every week. But that’s just not the case,” Allen said in a teleconference call with reporters. “I think when you watch the film, there are some guys that are still rushing well. It’s just the ball is out quick, stuff like that. So, there are a lot of things that go into sacks, and we’ll be fine. I’m not worried about this group.”

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones certainly earned respect from the Broncos’ defense. He finished the game at 23 of 34 passing for 316 yards with one touchdown, zero interceptions and a rushing score. Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft, spent seven years with the Giants before a fresh start this season with the Colts.

“Whatever they say about Daniel Jones, the guy has won a playoff game in this league,” Allen said. “You can tell that they’re really, really well coached and they’ve got a lot of weapons. And they’ve invested a lot in the offensive line. So, yeah, you kind of add a combination of all that together. … They had a really good game plan. They executed and (Jones) was great with it. He really didn’t double pat that ball at all. So, give credit where credit is due.”

Run game split

The Broncos opened Sunday’s game with three consecutive rushing plays and J.K. Dobbins gaining 28 yards on those carries. It set the tone for a more balanced offensive game plan from coach Sean Payton against the Colts.

“It’s great to get to those runs and hit some big ones and give Sean some confidence in calling those runs,” center Luke Wattenberg said on Monday. “So, we were all happy as a group in that sense.”

Dobbins led the team with 14 carries for 76 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, rookie running back RJ Harvey saw only three carries for 20 yards. Payton explained that split in carries on Monday.

“I think sometimes there are certain tags,” Payton said. “Harvey got some tougher run looks in the ’11’ or sub-personnel groupings. Dobbins had some real good runs for us, though. Quite naturally as one’s going, you feed him more. I was pleased overall with how we played as an offensive line. I thought we did a good job of creating space (and) creating movement.”

Briefly

The Broncos’ defense was stout in the red zone against the Colts. Denver did not give up a touchdown in the second half and held Indianapolis to five field goal attempts over the game. Allen said: “Third down (defense) wasn’t where we wanted it to be yesterday, but the red zone was encouraging.” … ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Payton will be one of three head coaches for a competitive flag football tournament in March 2026 in Saudi Arabia. Players reportedly include retired quarterback Tom Brady, running back Christian McCaffrey and edge rusher Myles Garrett for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. … The Chargers opened as 2.5-point home favorites over the Broncos in Week 3.