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Nik Bonitto’s game-saving swat on a 2-point try helped the Denver Broncos seal a 27-26 overtime win over the Washington Commanders. Here’s how the final moments unfolded and why his play was the difference.
The focus keyword used throughout this post: Nik Bonitto steps up big.
Broncos Win a Thriller in Overtime
The Denver Broncos continued their winning momentum on Sunday night, earning a hard-fought 27-26 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders. In a game filled with dramatic turns, the moment that defined the night was simple and powerful: Nik Bonitto steps up big when the team needed him the most.
Bo Nix, watching the final play from the sideline, said he sensed the Broncos’ defense might have the perfect opportunity to close the game. And he was right.
The Play That Changed Everything
After the Broncos scored first in overtime, the Commanders responded with a determined 11-play drive. Marcus Mariota hit Terry McLaurin for a 3-yard touchdown on fourth-and-3, bringing Washington within one point. Instead of tying the game, they chose to go for the win.
As the Commanders lined up for the 2-point try, Denver called a timeout to regroup. Head coach Sean Payton explained that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph used the break to tweak the call, hoping it would create a free rusher.
That free rusher turned out to be Nik Bonitto.
At the snap, Washington’s offensive line became overloaded trying to handle six Denver rushers. Bonitto came in untouched from the outside, closed the gap quickly, and timed his jump perfectly. With his right hand — still in a cast since Week 3 — he swatted Mariota’s throw before it could reach McLaurin.
In that moment, Nik Bonitto steps up big, securing the Broncos’ ninth straight win.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
| Moment | What Happened | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bonitto’s Blocked 2-Point Try | Swatted Mariota’s pass to stop the conversion | Won the game for Denver |
| McLaurin’s OT Touchdown | Scored on fourth-and-3 during Commanders’ OT drive | Gave Washington a chance to win |
| Overturned Interception | Brandon Jones’ pick erased by a pass interference call | Extended Commanders’ final drive |
Broncos Continue Their Strong Season
This victory marks Denver’s ninth consecutive win, their longest streak since 2012. It also continues a pattern: six of their games this season have been decided on the final play. The Broncos are now 4-2 in those pressure moments, showing strong mental toughness.
Bonitto said the timeout helped settle the defense and gave them the clarity needed to execute. Mariota admitted Denver’s pressure looks made it difficult to get the ball out cleanly.
Sean Payton also revealed a rare moment when he thought the game had already ended after Jones’ interception earlier in the drive. When the penalty overturned the play, he had already taken off his headset — something he said had never happened before in his career.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the night, the headline is clear: Nik Bonitto steps up big as the Broncos claim overtime victory. His awareness, speed, and timing turned what could have been a heartbreaking loss into another milestone win in Denver’s impressive season.
If the Broncos continue to succeed in high-pressure moments like this, they could be building something special.
