The Denver Broncos secured a dramatic overtime victory against the Washington Commanders, winning 27-26 on March 10, 2024. The decisive moment came when linebacker Nik Bonitto thwarted a two-point conversion attempt by the Commanders, ensuring the win for the Broncos.
With the game tied at the end of regulation, the Commanders responded to an initial touchdown by the Broncos in overtime with an impressive 11-play, 65-yard drive. Quarterback Marcus Mariota connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 3-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-3, leveling the score once again.
As the Commanders prepared for the critical two-point conversion, Broncos head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called a timeout to reassess their strategy. During this pause, Joseph opted to adjust the defensive alignment, aiming to give Bonitto a chance to make a game-defining play.
“We call it a Kodak situation… we called a timeout, regroup, collect your thoughts,” Payton explained. “There was going to be a free rusher if you pressure the way we did. They left Nik free, and the timing and everything was great.”
The Broncos’ defense was tightly packed near the line of scrimmage, creating a surprising setup. Bonitto lined up wide to the right, effectively unmarked by the offensive line. As Mariota launched the pass, Bonitto leaped to block it, demonstrating remarkable agility despite wearing a cast on his right hand due to an injury earlier in the season.
“I knew he was buying time,” Bonitto said of Mariota’s attempts to evade pressure. “The timeout kind of helped calm us down a little bit and be able to get what we were able to get into and get a stop.”
Earlier in the game, the Broncos thought they had clinched victory on a fourth-and-6 play when safety Brandon Jones intercepted a deflected pass. However, the play was overturned due to a pass interference penalty against safety Talanoa Hufanga, leaving Payton in disbelief as he removed his headset, marking a rare moment in his coaching career.
The win marks the Broncos’ ninth consecutive victory, their longest streak since an 11-game run to close the 2012 regular season. This season has seen six games decided on the final play, with the Broncos holding a record of 4-2 in those tight contests.
As the Broncos continue their pursuit of a strong postseason showing, the performance of players like Bonitto will be crucial in their upcoming challenges. The team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure have proven essential in their recent successes.
