Broncos ignite and rally back to defeat the Colts 31-13

The Denver Broncos hosted the Indianapolis Colts in arguably their biggest game since Super Bowl 50. After a slow and concerning start, they ignited in the second half and embarked on ferocious comeback to secure a 31-13.

This game had all the feelings—the highs and the lows—but at the end of the day, all that matters is that the Broncos came away with the victory. Here are some instant reactions from today’s incredible win.

Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense struggle against the Colts’ defense—but capitalize when it mattered most

All season long; the Broncos have struggled to run the football. They have also had issues being consistent on key downs and have had far too many three-and-outs. Today’s game against the Colts who came into the game having one of the worst defenses in the entire National Football League was a shot at finally getting things right in both facets.

Alas, the Broncos couldn’t do anything with respect to the run game, Javonte Williams nor Jaleel McLaughlin were able to get much done. On eight carries between the two of them, they only gained 15 yards. The Broncos’ most productive first half rusher was Nix who had 21 yards on four carries. A whopping 36 yards rushing in the first half. Absolutely terrible.

Bo Nix and the passing offense? Just as terrible—if not worse. Nix had an awful interception early on in the game and didn’t break 60 yards passing in the first half. To make matters worse, the Broncos weren’t able to capitalize off Brandon Jones’ interception or when Jonathan Taylor fumbled the ball before crossing the goal line early in the third quarter. Both drives resulted in three-and-outs, a common bane of the team’s offense all season long.

Nix went on to throw two more interceptions. Not the typical tipped passes we have seen in the past, they were just flat-out poor throws he had no business making. P.J. Locke was able to force a fumble in the third quarter, but the offense went three-and-out and were only able to get a Wil Lutz field goal to bring the game within three points.

But in the fourth quarter, their fortunes turned, and they were able to secure a few touchdowns to put the game away for good. It wasn’t a fantastic effort, and they didn’t even amass 200 yards offensively, but they got the job done when it mattered most. Hopefully Nix’s issues were just an aberration that can be chalked up to a bad game.

Broncos’ defense struggles early on, but shuts down the Colts and forces flurry of turnovers in second half

The Broncos’ defense made enough plays to overtake the Cleveland Browns several weeks ago on Thursday Night Football. Unfortunately, the struggles on key downs and getting off the field showed up again today early on against the Colts.

In the first quarter, the Broncos couldn’t stop Anthony Richardson and company on third downs. In fact, they were able to convert multiple third-and-long attempts by rushing with Jonathan Taylor. The Colts had 122 total yards through the first fifteen minutes including 83 on the ground. They were 80-percent on third down conversions and controlled the clock for nearly 12 minutes. Richardson and Taylor were able to combine for 105 yards on the ground.

But the Broncos’ defense went on a rampage in the second half and forced a flurry of turnovers. The Colts weren’t able to get anything done offensively. They eliminated any threat Richardson posed through the air and made him look like a replacement level quarterback. P.J. Locke forced a fumble, Nik Bonitto had a defensive touchdown (which I’ll get to later), and Patrick Surtain II had an interception late in the fourth quarter.

This is the type of effort the fans wanted to see on this side of the ball after the Browns game. Hats off to Vance Joseph and his players on a job well done!

Marvin Mims Jr. helped turn the tide of the game on special teams

Marvin Mims Jr. made the Pro-Bowl as a rookie for his dynamic return abilities. Those skills showed up in a huge way this afternoon. With the Broncos down in the fourth quarter, a huge 60-yard return put the Broncos in scoring position. This time, Nix and his teammates on offense were able to capitalize and it resulted in a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins to put the team up 17-13. While Mims Jr. might not be present much in the team’s offensive plans, he has been a stalwart on special teams.

Nik Bonitto continues to make his case for Defensive Player of the Year

Von Miller was a Mile High legend, a future Hall of Famer, and one of the greatest defensive players Broncos Country has had the pleasure of watching.

We might be witnessing true greatness with the ascent of Nik Bonitto who strengthened his case for Defensive Player of the Year Who would have ever thought Nik Bonitto would end up being as special as he has been? The third-year pro wound up corralling the ball on a trick play by the Colts and returned it for a touchdown to complete the monumental energy shift in today’s game.

Denver’s playoff hopes skyrocket after today’s victory

The Broncos’ victory this afternoon has given them a 90-percent chance of making the playoffs. What also helped the Broncos today? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking care of business and defeating the Los Angeles Chargers. This now gives the Broncos hold of the sixth seed in the AFC’s playoff race.

Today’s victory might have come at a significant cost

This was a huge win, but it also came at a cost. Quinn Meinerz, Jaleel McLaughlin, D.J. Jones, and Patrick Surtain II all left the game with injury. We don’t know the extent of them yet, but hopefully they aren’t serious enough to the point where they miss significant time.