What started out as a disastrous blowout game through three quarters turned into a stunning 33-32 win for the Denver Broncos over the New York Giants in Week 7.
The Broncos couldn’t get anything going offensively for most of the game until the fourth quarter. The Giants got out to a 19-0 lead heading into the final 15 minutes before Denver stormed back to win the game as time expired.
Quarterback Bo Nix threw the ball a staggering 50 times, completing 27 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also had five carries for 48 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He wasn’t efficient, but he was brilliant down the stretch for Denver.
New York rookie QB Jaxson Dart wasn’t efficient either, completing just 15 of 33 passes, but his completions led to 283 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 11 yards and a touchdown on five attempts.
Denver’s amazing defense didn’t look very amazing throughout this game, allowing 32 points. However, the Broncos took advantage of the one turnover they got, a costly Dart interception with just under five minutes remaining and chasing 10 points on the board.
The Broncos marched down the field and scored their third straight touchdown to cut the deficit to three points. New York punted on their next drive and Denver cashed in another touchdown to take a 30-26 lead after the two minute warning.
Dart scored his rushing touchdown with just over 30 seconds left, which appeared to be the dagger until kicker Jude McAtamney missed his second extra point of the night.
Denver kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired for the thrilling finish.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold is most surprised by how the defense has looked the past two weeks.
“The Broncos went from one of the best defensive performances in franchise history in London -- they held the Jets to minus-10 yards passing -- to an error-filled afternoon,” Legwold wrote Sunday. “Denver's defense had busted coverages and missed tackles. There were uncharacteristic moments, such as Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s 31-yard touchdown jaunt through the middle of the field without being touched, or that Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger had more receiving yards at halftime (88) than he had in the first six games combined. But Strnad's interception saved what would have been the worst of days for the Broncos' defense.”
The Broncos will stay at home to play the 3-3-1 Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, who are coming off a 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders.