Bo Nix had a transparent view from the Denver Broncos sideline because the Washington Commanders lined up for a remaining, high-stakes snap in time beyond regulation.
The rookie quarterback suspected Nik Bonitto was completely set to make the decisive cease earlier than the ball even left Marcus Mariota’s arms.
Moments later, Bonitto broke free off the sting and batted down Mariota’s 2-point try, sealing a 27-26 win for the Broncos on Sunday night time.
“I knew what protection we have been in, and I type of discovered the play, so I knew what was occurring,” Nix stated afterwards.
“I believe the man may need been open, however Nik did an amazing job of creating that play.”
Denver appeared to have the sport wrapped up in regulation, just for Washington to tie it on the finish.
The Broncos then marched for a landing to begin time beyond regulation, earlier than the Commanders answered with an 11-play, 65-yard reply, capped by Terry McLaurin’s 3-yard seize on fourth-and-3. That arrange the conversion that may resolve all of it.
Sean Payton stated defensive coordinator Vance Joseph made a delicate however essential adjustment throughout a timeout earlier than the 2-point strive, shifting into a glance that might release a rusher.
“We name it a Kodak state of affairs the place you may have a timeout, the sport’s going to finish, so name the timeout, regroup, gather your ideas,” Payton stated. “The problem in these performs are designed QB runs, which we have been involved with, we went from one stress to a different.
“However there’s going to be a free rusher when you stress the best way we did it. And also you don’t know who’s going to be the free rusher as a result of the safety, and they also left Nik free and the timing and all the pieces was nice.”
With all 11 defenders crowded near the road, Bonitto took a large alignment outdoors left sort out Laremy Tunsil.
Washington failed to choose him up. As Mariota dropped again, Bonitto accelerated untouched, leapt, and deflected the throw together with his proper hand – nonetheless in a forged since Week 3.
Drama had already struck earlier in time beyond regulation. Denver thought that they had ended the sport when Brandon Jones intercepted a fourth-down cross, just for a cross interference flag on Talanoa Hufanga to deliver the play again. Payton admitted he briefly believed the outcome was sealed.
“[That’s] the primary time for me in I don’t know what number of years as a head coach the place I took [off] the quarterback to helmet [radio],” Payton stated. “We didn’t get the sack, interference was referred to as – it’s by no means occurred earlier than.”
The win extends Denver’s streak to 9, their greatest run because the 11-game surge to finish the 2012 common season.
Six of their video games this yr have gone to the ultimate snap – and the Broncos have come out on prime in 4 of them.