The Denver Broncos overcame several mistakes, an extremely slow start on offense and a 10-point first-half deficit in a 31-13 comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. After a defensive masterpiece, the Broncos are one win away from a playoff berth. With the win, Denver secured its first winning season since the Peyton Manning era.
We look at the studs and duds from the victory.
Stud: OLB Nik Bonitto
For the second week in a row, Bonitto had a 50+ yard touchdown. Bonitto added five total tackles (three solo, two assisted) and half a sack in the game. Bonitto has made himself an anchor and playmaker along the Broncos’ defensive line.
Dud: Rushing attack
The Broncos’ rushing attack could do nothing against the NFL’s 31st-ranked run defense. Jaleel McLaughlin got the most carries, but quarterback Bo Nix led Denver’s backfield with 24 yards. This position will definitely be a point of emphasis in the offseason.
Neither stud nor dud: QB Bo Nix
For the majority of Sunday’s game, Nix looked uncharacteristically like the rookie he was at the beginning of September. Nix had three interceptions by the end of the third quarter, and only one touchdown pass. Nix did finish strong, with two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. His final stat line read 20-of-33 for 130 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He wasn’t a dud and he certainly wasn’t a stud, but Nix finished the game on a positive note.
Stud: WR Marvin Mims
Mims brought his big play ability for the second week in a row, this time with a 61-yard punt return that set the Broncos up with the go-ahead score. Mims also had four catches for 20 yards, returning three punts for 97 yards. Mims has found his place in the Denver offense.
Stud: Denver’s playoff chances
With a win, at the moment, the Broncos surpassed the Los Angeles Chargers for the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff race. Denver has almost cemented their place in the playoffs, with the team needing just one win in their final three games to reach the postseason. In head coach Sean Payton’s second year, he has led the team to a remarkable turnaround. Now the team is close to clinching a playoff berth for the first time since the Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.
