The Denver Broncos secured a 27-26 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders, marking their ninth consecutive win. Head Coach Sean Payton highlighted the team’s final drive of the first half as a crucial moment in the game.
“Quietly, that two-minute drill … was the difference between winning and losing,” Payton said.
During this drive, quarterback Bo Nix led the offense downfield while trailing 7-6 late in the second quarter. Nix completed three passes for first downs and finished with a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton after escaping pressure.
“That’s one of the tremendous plays we’ve seen all season long,” NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth said during the broadcast.
Payton noted Nix’s ability to extend plays outside of traditional pocket passing. “I think the ability to throw the ball, not only from the pocket, but I would say a strength of his — going right or left — is throwing it off schedule,” Payton said Monday. “I think some people can work on that but aren’t as effective as others.”
Tight end Adam Trautman also commented on Nix’s style: “It’s definitely part of his game that’s got some magic to it.”
Nix has now recorded six game-winning drives in 2025, leading the NFL this season and tying John Elway for most in a single season in franchise history. On Denver’s overtime possession, Nix completed four straight passes for 71 yards before RJ Harvey scored what became the deciding touchdown.
On both key drives, Nix completed 13 out of 15 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown, posting a quarterback rating of 126.4.
Tight end Evan Engram also contributed significantly, catching three passes for 28 yards on the end-of-half drive and making a 41-yard catch-and-run in overtime. Engram finished with six receptions for 79 yards—both season highs since joining Denver as a free agent in 2025—and led all Broncos receivers during this game.
“Evan [had] one of his better games,” Payton said Sunday. “The play he made in overtime was huge. The ‘jerk’ route he ran was outstanding.”
