The Denver Broncos secured a thrilling 27-26 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders on November 26, 2023, with a standout defensive play from linebacker Nik Bonitto. The game, held at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, showcased a dramatic finish, culminating in Bonitto’s pivotal deflection of a two-point conversion attempt by quarterback Marcus Mariota.
With time running out in overtime, the Commanders were poised to take the lead after an impressive 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive, which ended with a 3-yard pass from Mariota to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. After scoring, Washington attempted a two-point conversion to secure a win. However, the Broncos’ defense had other plans.
The Broncos called a timeout to reassess their defensive strategy, allowing defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to make adjustments that would prove crucial. Head coach Sean Payton explained, “We called a timeout, regroup, collect your thoughts. The challenge in those plays are designed QB runs, which we were concerned with.” With their defense tightly bunched at the line of scrimmage, the Broncos aimed to keep Mariota under pressure.
Bonitto, positioned outside the left tackle, was left unblocked as the Commanders sorted through the six rushers sent by Joseph. As Mariota attempted to throw, Bonitto leapt and deflected the pass, securing the Broncos’ victory. “The timeout kind of helped calm us down a little bit and be able to get what we were able to get into and get a stop,” Bonitto reflected.
The game had earlier been a rollercoaster, with the Commanders tying the score on a last-second play in regulation. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix noted that he anticipated Bonitto’s impact on the final play. “I knew what defense we were in and I kind of figured out the play,” Nix said. “Nik did a great job of making that play.”
The victory marked the Broncos’ ninth consecutive win, their longest streak since the 2012 season when they won 11 straight games. This match also extended the team’s record of games decided by the last play this season to six, with a record of 4-2 in those nail-biters.
Earlier in the game, the Broncos believed they had clinched the win on a fourth-and-6 from their own 41-yard line when safety Brandon Jones intercepted a deflected pass. However, that play was nullified due to a pass interference penalty on safety Talanoa Hufanga, leading Payton to momentarily believe the game was over. “It’s never happened before,” he admitted about removing his headset in disbelief.
The Broncos’ ability to adapt and execute under pressure ultimately secured them a critical win, reinforcing their position as a formidable contender in the league this season. The thrilling outcome showcased Bonitto’s talents and the team’s resilience, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
