From his privileged position, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix could anticipate the outcome of the game, observing the Denver defense, specifically Nik Bonitto, their best pass rusher. Nix sensed that Bonitto could secure the victory in overtime, even before the Washington Commanders started the play. Indeed, Nix was correct. Bonitto deflected Marcus Mariota’s pass on a two-point conversion attempt, sealing a crucial victory for the Broncos with a score of 27-26 in overtime.
In a game full of unexpected twists, where Washington tied in the last play of regulation, the Commanders responded to the Broncos’ touchdown in overtime with an 11-play, 65-yard drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to Terry McLaurin on fourth down and three. Before the conversion of two points, the Broncos requested a timeout to adjust their defensive strategy. According to coach Sean Payton, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph modified the play in the hope that Bonitto would have the opportunity to make a decisive play.I knew the defense we were playing and somehow I deciphered the play, so I knew what was going to happen. I think the guy might have been open, but Nik did a great job making that play.
Bo Nix, Broncos Quarterback
The Broncos’ defensive tactic involved all 11 defenders close to the line of scrimmage. Bonitto, positioned on the right side of the defense, found himself unblocked, allowing him to quickly pressure Mariota. Bonitto jumped and deflected the pass with his right hand, the same one he has protected with a cast since Week 3. Mariota, for his part, acknowledged the defense’s astuteness. “Defensive coordinator Vance was doing a good job mixing the zero and showing the zero (blitzes) and dropping back,” Mariota commented. “And then, on the two-point, he brought the zero; he knew he had to try to gain some depth and give our man a chance. He made a play and that’s how it works.” Bonitto, for his part, highlighted the importance of the timeout to calm the team and execute the key defensive play. The Broncos, especially Payton, believed they had secured the victory nine plays earlier, on a fourth down and six yards to go from Denver’s 41-yard line. An interception by Brandon Jones was nullified by a pass interference penalty. Payton, believing the game was over, took off his headset, an unusual gesture in his coaching career.We call this a Kodak situation… we call a timeout, we regroup, we collect our thoughts. The challenge in those plays are the designed runs for the quarterback, which worried us; we went from one pressure to another.
Sean Payton, Broncos Coach
This victory represents the Broncos’ ninth consecutive win, their longest streak since the 11 straight wins at the end of the 2012 regular season. Furthermore, it’s the sixth game of the season decided on the final play, with a 4-2 record in these encounters.(That is) the first time for me in I don’t know how many years as a head coach that I took the radio out of the quarterback’s helmet. We didn’t get the sack, interference was called; it had never happened before.
Sean Payton, Broncos Coach
