In a thrilling overtime showdown on March 10, 2024, the Denver Broncos edged out the Washington Commanders with a final score of 27-26. The decisive moment came when Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto successfully blocked a two-point conversion attempt by Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota, securing the Broncos’ ninth consecutive victory.
The game featured a dramatic swing in momentum. After the Broncos opened overtime with a touchdown drive, the Commanders responded with an impressive 11-play, 65-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to wide receiver Terry McLaurin on fourth-and-3. With the game tied at 26, the stage was set for a critical two-point conversion attempt.
As the Commanders prepared to snap the ball, Broncos head coach Sean Payton called a timeout to reassess the defensive strategy. During this pause, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph adjusted the defensive call, hoping to leverage Bonitto’s skills. “We call it a Kodak situation… we regroup and collect our thoughts,” Payton explained. He noted that adjustments were necessary to combat the designed quarterback runs Mariota might employ.
Before the snap, the Broncos’ defense was tightly grouped, with all 11 players positioned within four yards of the line of scrimmage. Bonitto, lined up on the defensive right, was set to exploit a gap left by Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil. As Mariota began his pass, Bonitto seized the opportunity, leaping to deflect the ball with his right hand, effectively denying the conversion.
Reflecting on the play, Mariota acknowledged Bonitto’s prowess in that situation, stating, “The DC [Vance Joseph] was doing a good job mixing up zero and showing zero blitzes… He made a play on it and that’s the way it goes.”
Bonitto also credited the timeout for allowing the defense to regain composure. “The timeout kind of helped calm us down a little bit,” he commented after the game. The successful block not only preserved the victory but also highlighted the strategic adjustments that can be pivotal in high-stakes moments.
Earlier in the game, the Broncos appeared to have sealed the win when safety Brandon Jones intercepted a pass on a critical fourth-and-6 from the Denver 41-yard line. However, a pass interference penalty against safety Talanoa Hufanga nullified the interception, a moment that left Payton momentarily stunned. “It’s the first time in I don’t know how many years as a head coach where I took off the quarterback’s helmet radio,” he remarked.
With this victory, the Broncos extended their winning streak to nine games, their longest since a remarkable 11-game run at the end of the 2012 season. This season has seen the Broncos engaged in six games decided by the final play, showcasing their resilience with a record of 4-2 in such nail-biters.
As the Broncos celebrate their latest triumph, the defensive efforts of players like Bonitto and the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff underscore the importance of adaptability in the fast-paced world of professional football. The Broncos continue to build momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
