We have seen his type of performance from the Denver Broncos. Just when you think they are down to the felt, somehow, someway—the find a way to pull another rabbit out of the hat and achieve an impressive victory. That’s precisely what happened last night in their thrilling comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
A struggling first half offense that showed little signs of life had the Broncos in a predicament entering halftime. They were outclassed and outmatched by the Rams, who were able to
carve up Denver’s defense through the ground and the air with ease. But at halftime, the Broncos made the right adjustments. Head Coach Sean Payton called this game another tale of two halves. Much like their Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I keep getting back to this balance. I thought there were some runs that we got to in the second half that helped us stay on schedule. We hit some big plays; there were some opportunistic penalties. It wasn’t just one thing,” stated Payton.
“Defensively we just needed to help with time and possession offensively and get some first downs. I think we did a better job of that in the second half.”
Their offense embarked on two crucial scoring drives in the third quarter and converted both two-point conversion attempts. When it mattered most, quarterback Bo Nix and his teammates dug deep and yet again rose to the occasion to help the team achieve victory. In the final moments of the game, Denver’s offense was able to score the final go-ahead touchdown to cement their victory over the Rams on Sunday Night Football.
However, one player on the defensive side of the ball really stood out and was a major catalyst in their comeback win. That was safety Talanoa Hufanga. His pick-six of Matthew Stafford and game-sealing interception on the last play of the game proved to be two huge turning points for the Broncos. He also had a big sack on Stafford late in the game that disrupted one of their drives.
Last season, the veteran safety dropped about a half dozen potential interceptions. But last night, he overcame that issue and had one of the most impressive second half performances by a safety in recent memory. Defensive lineman Zach Allen had high praise for his teammate after the game.
“He’s the biggest steal in free agency in recent memory. I think the fact that we got him; he’s incredible, heartbeat of the defense. What he did tonight was awesome, and so happy for him. He’s been doing it for so long, so we’re just really fortunate to have him,” stated Allen.
With the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders both 3-0 to start the season, it was paramount the Broncos found a way to win against the Rams last night. They couldn’t afford to lose any ground in the division—especially with a tough slate of opponents on the horizon.
Denver will head on the road to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. At 3-0, Kyle Shanahan’s squad has been impressive to start the season sporting a Top 5 offense and defense. A few weeks later, the Broncos will host another primetime matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in primetime in Week 6 on Thursday Night Football.
Last night’s win against the Rams on Sunday Night Football proves this team has the guts, grit, and determination to battle the best in the NFL. The wins haven’t always come easy for the Broncos over the past several seasons. Nevertheless, a win is a win—and the Broncos’ huge primetime dub now has them 2-1 to start the season.
