It’s Super Snooze Week, err, I mean Super Bowl Week where two teams rematch for a third time and we’re supposed to be interested despite both franchises being two of the most unlikeable franchises in the NFL.
That said, all I care about is the Denver Broncos anyway. Let’s recap some of the more awesome plays from the season — starting with the defense!
One thing that stood out to me was a certain guy needs an extension, because all he does is make big plays in pressure moments.
1. Ja’quan McMillian overtime interception vs. Bills
There was no bigger play on defense this season than what Ja’quan McMillian did in overtime against the Buffalo Bills. Denver had just punted, so the next score would have won. McMillian was actually beaten on the route, but he never gave up and disrupted the reception attempt just enough to avoid possession by Brandin Cooks then was able to wrap his arm around the ball and come up with possession by the time they stopped rolling.
That play won the game, because all Bo Nix needed was 30 yards. He ended up getting like 60 to setup a chipshot game-winning field goal for Wil Lutz to give the Broncos their playoff victory since Super Bowl 50.
Damn good play by J-Mac there!
2. Nik Bonitto overtime pass deflection vs. Commanders
If that J-Mac interception saved the game, this number two play of 2025 literally won the game. For whatever reason, the Washington Commanders offense dominated the Broncos defense all game long. The offense needed another comeback late and then a touchdown in overtime to get a big enough lead.
That didn’t matter, because on that day Marcus Mariota was Doug Williams in Super Bowl XXII reincarnated. Thankfully, the Broncos have a playmaker like Nik Bonitto to make the play Denver needed to come out with another crazy win.
3. Justin Strnad interception vs. Giants
Speaking of crazy wins… none was crazier than that 33-point fourth quarter to help the Broncos overcome a three-score deficit with less than six minutes left in the game.
However, that comeback was never going to happen without a turnover and in this comeback it was Justin Strnad who came up with the game-changing momentum play right after Denver had scored a touchdown and two-point conversion to cut the lead to 10.
The Broncos obviously converted into a touchdown and then took the lead on their next drive. The wild game would end in a 33-32 win for Denver to kick-start their 2025 run to a 14-3 record and homefield advantage in the AFC.
4. Ja’quan McMillian pick six vs. Chargers
The Broncos needed to win this game, but the Chargers were resting their starters. That said, the Chargers defense was kind of bullying the Broncos offensive line that day and the game was much tougher than it should have been.
Once again, it was Ja’quan McMillian who helped the Broncos get a lead big enough to protect throughout the game to move to 14-3 and secure the AFC’s top seed.
5. Ja’quan McMillian sack vs. Chiefs
We’re going back to Ja’quan McMillian again, because it had to happen. I forgot how close the Kansas City Chiefs were to taking a lead late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos. Instead, McMillian flew off the edge on a blitz to crush Patrick Mahomes on third and long with less than four minutes left in the game.
This win would send the Chiefs into a tailspin they would never recover from. Hopefully that tailspin continues for a few more years…
Honorable Mention: Patrick Surtain II interception vs. Packers
So. Many. Comebacks.
That’s what I began feeling after reviewing this season. Like forget Tim Tebow… these 2025 Broncos were cardiac cats all season long. What a fun right that was.
That brings me to my honorable mention. Frankly, I couldn’t post this without a Patrick Surtain II mention. It wasn’t a late-game or overtime miracle, but it was a momentum change that, without it, the Broncos likely lose that game.
From a momentum perspective, the Broncos were on the ropes early in the second half down two scores. That interception by PS2 was about as important to the outcome as scoring the touchdowns to take the lead later in the game.
Did I leave any big plays out? I am sure we could argue the inclusion of many given how fun this season was. So let me have it in the comments section below.
Go Broncos!
