Broncos Edge Commanders 27-26 After Bonitto Saves Game/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nik Bonitto swatted away a two-point conversion attempt in overtime to secure the Denver Broncos’ 27-26 road win over the Washington Commanders. Denver earned its ninth straight win, staying tied for the AFC’s best record. Quarterbacks Bo Nix and Marcus Mariota traded clutch moments in a game full of drama.
Broncos vs. Commanders Quick Looks
- Broncos win ninth straight, hold off Commanders 27-26 in overtime.
- Nik Bonitto blocked Washington’s potential game-winning 2-point try.
- Denver’s RJ Harvey scored the go-ahead TD in OT.
- Bo Nix threw for 321 yards with 1 TD, 1 INT.
- Washington’s Marcus Mariota passed for 294 yards and 2 TDs.
- Commanders suffer back-to-back overtime losses, extending losing streak to seven.
- Treylon Burks made a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown catch.
- Tight end Zach Ertz had 10 catches for 106 yards.
- Broncos tied with Patriots for AFC’s top record at 10-2.
- Dan Quinn’s aggressive 2-point call in OT falls short.
Deep Look
Broncos Survive Commanders in Overtime Thriller, Bonitto’s Game-Saving Deflection Extends Win Streak
LANDOVER, Md. — The Denver Broncos kept their incredible winning streak alive in dramatic fashion Sunday night, edging the Washington Commanders 27-26 in overtime after linebacker Nik Bonitto knocked down a two-point conversion attempt that would have ended the game in favor of the home team.
After RJ Harvey rushed for a touchdown on Denver’s opening possession in overtime, the Commanders answered with a fourth-down touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota to Terry McLaurin, setting up a do-or-die two-point try.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, in an aggressive move, opted to go for the win. Mariota rolled out and looked for an open receiver, but Bonitto timed his jump perfectly and deflected the ball, sealing Denver’s ninth consecutive win and keeping the Broncos locked in a tie for the best record in the AFC at 10-2.
Bonitto Delivers in the Clutch
“I knew he was buying time,” Bonitto said of Mariota’s rollout. “At that point I was just trying to make it hard for him to throw the ball, and I ended up knocking it down and we ended up winning the game.”
The defensive stand capped another close win for the Broncos, who have now won eight games decided by one score this season, showing their resilience under pressure.
Nix vs. Mariota: A Battle of Clutch Drives
Bo Nix, Denver’s rookie quarterback, continued his growth with a 321-yard performance. Though he threw an interception in the fourth quarter, Nix also made key plays, including a side-stepping, near-sack escape to hit Courtland Sutton for an 11-yard touchdown late in the first half.
“I was honestly a little bit close to being down,” Nix said. “But stayed up just long enough. Sutton did a great job scrambling with me. It really was a game of inches.”
Washington’s Marcus Mariota, starting again for the injured Jayden Daniels, gave a gutsy performance. He threw for 294 yards, including two touchdown passes, and led a crucial 18-play, 71-yard drive to set up the tying 32-yard field goal by Jake Moody at the end of regulation.
Commanders Show Fight, Fall Short Again
Despite another strong effort, Washington (3-9) has now lost seven straight games, including back-to-back overtime heartbreakers. Mariota said the team is focused on continued improvement.
“We’re going in the right direction,” Mariota said. “It’s not exactly where we want to be, but it’s about the process. The more we can find ways to improve week-to-week, that sets a solid foundation for what’s to come.”
The game featured one of the season’s most spectacular catches: Treylon Burks made a falling, one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone for one of Mariota’s touchdowns, beating Broncos cornerback Riley Moss.
Ertz Makes History; Defense Improving
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz was Mariota’s favorite target, hauling in 10 receptions for 106 yards and passing Shannon Sharpe for fifth on the NFL’s all-time receptions list among tight ends.
Despite the loss, Quinn saw improvement from his defense, which has struggled most of the season but looked more cohesive in the two games since he took over play-calling duties.
“There was progress made, certainly in the run game,” Quinn said. “Hate the outcome, but I love the fight and where we’re at.”
Still, the coach was resolute about going for the win in overtime: “There was never a doubt. This was a game you love to be a part of — two teams throwing punches back and forth.”
What’s Next
The Broncos travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday, continuing their march toward a possible first-round playoff bye.
The Commanders will try to stop their losing streak on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, still searching for their first win since mid-October.
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