Denver Broncos (9-5) – Indianapolis Colts (6-8): 31-13
After a display of offensive mediocrity on both ends of the field, the Denver Broncos won their most important match of the season. A success that took a long time to achieve draw as both teams seemed allergic to victory this evening. Denver will finally have woken up at the best time before unfolding.
Jonathan Taylor lets the ball slip away…and the victory
The Colts can, however, harbor great regrets. Facing the Broncos who still seemed to be in their week off, Indianapolis managed the feat of… doing worse. And if Anthony Richardson (17/38, 172 yards, 2 interceptions) was up to his usual standards despite a touchdown on the ground (7 races, 46 yards, 1 touchdown), the stab surprisingly came from Jonathan Taylor (22 races , 107 yards). Author of a rookie error at the start of the third quarter, the running back went from potential hero to zero. While he was leading his boat perfectly until this moment, with almost 100 yards on the ground and an average of more than 5 yards per carry, the runner turned around a game that the Colts could (should) have led by 13 points . A blow to the head from which Indianapolis never recovered.
Because in shock, Shane Steichen's players were no longer the same following this twist of fate. Offensively first, with a squad unable to score a single point in the second half. Defensively then, while they had completely thwarted Bo Nix and the Broncos until now. Disconcerted, they finally left 17 points in less than half an hour to the Denver attack.
Bo Nix gives his gifts in advance, his teammates save him
If Denver's defense struggled against opposing races, it was especially Bo Nix (20/33, 130 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) who worried more than usual. The rookie reconnected with his demons from the start of the season and offered three interceptions on a plate. Always let down by a listless running game, a constant since the start of the season, he was ultimately saved by his special teams and his defense. Under this impetus, the Colorado quarterback finished the match better and finally scored 3 touchdowns.
But Denver would not have gotten there without Marvin Mims Jr.. Twice and while the Broncos were in the trough, the pocket receiver recovered two punts for big gains. The first allowing his team to come back to 10-13 following a field goal from Wil Lutz. The second, almost up to the goal, perfectly positioned Bo Nix who was able to calmly find Nate Adkins to take the advantage (17-13). It was then the inevitable Nik Bonitto who entered the scene. On a surprise play by the Colts, the linebacker obtained his second pick 6 in two games, a remarkable performance for a player who had never intercepted a ball until now. Freewheeling, Denver finally punctuated its match with a third offensive touchdown, on a deep ball from Nix towards Sutton. Packed it is weighed.
The Broncos are far from convincing, but the Broncos should revisit the playoffs. A first since the 2015 season and a certain Super Bowl…
