DENVER — The Denver Broncos have put an end to one difficult streak while setting their sights on another, overcoming a slow start to dominate the Indianapolis Colts and secure their first winning season since 2016. After trailing 10-0, the Broncos (9-5) outscored the Colts 31-3, significantly boosting their chances of ending an eight-year playoff drought to over 90%.
The Broncos have been relegated to watching the postseason from a distance since their last Super Bowl victory in 2015, when stars like Von Miller, Peyton Manning, and John Elway celebrated the team’s third Lombardi Trophy. This turnaround was exactly what head coach Sean Payton envisioned when he took the reins of the team last year.
“I was drawn to the rich tradition and history of success in this city, and the significance that football holds here,” Payton shared. “It’s not often you find a place with such high expectations from the fan base. For anyone in sports, being in a vibrant, high-demand market is key.”
Following their latest victory, Payton expressed satisfaction with achieving win number nine.
Quarterback Bo Nix, who faced challenges in his first season, commented on the team’s resilience. “Good teams know how to respond on days like today,” Nix remarked after navigating through a slow opening, including his first three-interception game. “Playoff teams excel at winning these close games, regardless of how they look. We’re proving we can get the job done, even when things aren’t going smoothly.”
Thanks to the Chargers’ loss earlier in the day, the Broncos have moved ahead in playoff standings, positioning themselves sixth while the Chargers now sit seventh. The two teams will clash on Thursday night in Los Angeles.
There is concern for the Broncos, as they might be missing their top two cornerbacks during this key matchup. However, Patrick Surtain II appeared to be recovering well from his sprained right ankle when he attended a charitable event on Monday, where he helped provide bicycles to children in need alongside Raising Cane’s. “I’m feeling better, taking it step-by-step,” Surtain reported on his recovery.
With Riley Moss also sidelined due to a knee injury and expected to return next week, the Broncos may need to rely on younger players, having already pulled Levi Wallace from the lineup after his subpar performance against the Browns. Rookie Kris Abrams-Draine received his first career start, although veteran Damarri Mathis contributed in the base defense.
While Payton commended Abrams-Draine and Mathis for their solid play, he was hesitant to speculate on their increased roles given the short preparation time and the status of Surtain. “They performed well, but I prefer to avoid discussing hypothetical situations regarding injuries,” Payton stated. “I’m encouraged by what I saw from both players.”
The Broncos’ defense has been a bright spot, benefiting from a stroke of luck when Jonathan Taylor’s premature celebration resulted in a touchback instead of a touchdown. Still, their success can’t be solely attributed to luck, as they executed well and secured five takeaways along with two sacks.
Conversely, the team’s running game requires improvement, managing just 72 yards on 27 carries for an average of 2.7 yards per carry. Excluding Nix’s 16-yard run, the average drops to an even lower 2.15 yards.
On the rise is linebacker Nik Bonitto, who has made a case for a long-term contract after scoring a pick-6 against the Browns and disrupting a trick play against the Colts. With this, he matched a notable feat accomplished by Billy Thompson in 1973, becoming the second Denver defender to score touchdowns in consecutive games.
On the injury front, in addition to Surtain’s condition, guard Quinn Meinerz (shoulder), player McLaughlin (thigh), and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (finger) all exited the game due to injuries.
A key statistic to note is Marvin Mims Jr.’s yardage: he tallied 97 yards on three punt returns, including a crucial 61-yard return paving the way for Denver’s go-ahead touchdown.
Up next for the Broncos is a quick turnaround as they prepare to face off against the Chargers on Thursday night. Earlier this season, the Chargers secured a 23-16 victory in Denver, but they have experienced a drop in performance, losing three of their last four games.
