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Nik Bonitto’s clutch defensive play in overtime saved the Denver Broncos as they edged out the Washington Commanders 27-26. Here’s how his game-winning moment unfolded.
Focus keyword: Bonitto’s overtime heroics
A Nail-Biter That Needed One Final Stop
The Denver Broncos added another dramatic win to their season with a tight 27-26 overtime victory over the Washington Commanders. But the highlight of the night came in the final seconds when Bonitto’s overtime heroics stopped the Commanders from completing a comeback.
The Broncos had taken the lead in overtime with a strong touchdown drive, but Washington answered with an impressive 65-yard march. The Commanders then made an aggressive choice: instead of kicking the extra point for a tie, they went for a 2-point conversion to win the game. And that’s where everything changed.
How Bonitto Saved the Game
Before the Commanders snapped the ball, the Broncos called timeout — a moment head coach Sean Payton called a “Kodak situation,” where players get one clear chance to regroup and adjust. During that pause, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph made a subtle tweak to the defensive call, hoping it would create a free rusher.
That free rusher turned out to be Nik Bonitto.
As the ball snapped, the Broncos sent heavy pressure. Washington struggled to pick up all six defenders charging toward Marcus Mariota. Bonitto came off the edge untouched, closing in just as Mariota released the ball. Despite having his right hand in a cast since Week 3, Bonitto leaped and swatted the throw away, stopping the conversion attempt.
Just like that, Bonitto’s overtime heroics sealed the win.
Bo Nix, watching from the sideline, said he saw it developing before the snap. He believed the defense had the call they needed — they just needed someone to make the play. Bonitto delivered exactly that.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
| Moment | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bonitto’s Blocked 2-Point Try | Swatted away Mariota’s pass in OT | Secured the Broncos’ victory |
| McLaurin’s OT Touchdown | Scored on fourth-and-3 | Gave Commanders a chance to win |
| Overturned Interception | Brandon Jones’ pick erased by penalty | Extended Washington’s final drive |
Broncos Continue Their Impressive Run
This win marks the Broncos’ ninth straight victory, their longest winning streak since the 2012 season. It also continues a dramatic trend: six of their games this year have been decided on the final play, and Denver now sits at 4-2 in those pressure-filled moments.
Sean Payton even admitted he thought the game had already ended earlier, when Jones appeared to intercept a pass on fourth-and-6. He removed his headset, only to realize the play was overturned due to a pass interference penalty — something he said he’d never experienced before.
Even with the chaos, the Broncos stayed calm. And Bonitto’s timing, awareness, and effort made sure the night ended their way.
Final Thoughts
In a season full of close calls and dramatic finishes, this one stands out. Bonitto’s overtime heroics seal Broncos’ 27-26 victory over Commanders and add another chapter to Denver’s growing reputation for toughness and resilience.
If the Broncos continue to win these tight games, they may be shaping up for a special finish to the season.