Broncos Edge Commanders in Overtime Thriller Behind Nik Bonitto’s Clutch Stop and Bo Nix’s Poise
The Denver Broncos were pushed to the brink on Sunday Night Football, but when it came down to one final play in overtime, it was Nik Bonitto who slammed the door shut.
With the Washington Commanders going for a gutsy two-point conversion to try and steal the win, Bonitto broke through the line and blew up the play before it had a chance to develop. Game over. Broncos win.
That moment was the exclamation point on a big night for Bonitto, who’s quietly putting together a season that deserves a lot more attention. He finished the game with a sack, a quarterback hit, a forced fumble, two tackles, and four pressures.
But perhaps the most telling stat? That one sack pushed him into double digits for the second straight season - something no Broncos player has done since Von Miller.
Yeah, that Von Miller.
And the connection isn’t lost on Bonitto. After the game, he shared how meaningful it was to hit that milestone and admitted he tried to find Miller afterward - a nod to the fact that Miller was his football idol growing up. It’s a full-circle moment for a player who’s becoming a force in his own right.
Denver’s defense has been the backbone of this team all season, and Sunday night was just another reminder why. With Bonitto flying off the edge, the secondary locking things down, and the front seven playing fast and physical, this unit has the kind of bite that can carry a team deep into January. If they keep playing like this, the Broncos have a legitimate shot at locking down the AFC’s top seed - though the New England Patriots are still looming in that race.
But it’s not just the defense doing the heavy lifting.
Bo Nix continues to show that he’s built for the moment. The rookie quarterback once again delivered when it mattered most, completing 29 of 45 passes for 321 yards, a touchdown, and one interception.
He’s been calm under pressure all season, and Sunday was no exception. Whether it’s orchestrating fourth-quarter comebacks or keeping his poise in chaotic moments, Nix is proving he’s more than just a game manager - he’s a gamer.
The Broncos have found their identity. A defense that punches first and doesn’t let up.
A quarterback who stays cool when the temperature rises. And a team that’s learning how to win close games - the kind you have to win if you want to make noise in the postseason.
If they keep this up, the rest of the AFC should take notice. Denver’s not just hanging around - they’re coming.