The Broncos pulled off a miracle Sunday at Empower Field, scoring a franchise-record 33 points in the fourth quarter to stun the New York Giants, 33-32. Here’s a look at the win as Denver moved to 5-2 after seven weeks.
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### 1. Payton’s Late-Week Magic Pays Off Big
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is always looking to add a little more “hay in the barn.” On Sunday against the Giants, that approach paid off big. Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton sensed something was coming when Payton summoned him late in the week.
Sutton recalled sitting in Payton’s office as the coach spoke rapidly:
> “If we get into this situation in the game, I’ve got a play. And it’s going to work. Just trust me.”
Payton showed Sutton clips of other teams succeeding in late-game scenarios. Although the plays Payton showed weren’t the actual ones they ran, they conveyed the concept and vision behind the strategy.
Sutton explained,
> “He has such a unique mind when it comes to football… He just sees it like a different language. You’d have to sit down for a full breakdown to understand what he’s thinking.”
The Broncos installed the play during their Saturday walk-through. On Sunday, after 74 other plays, quarterback Bo Nix hit Marvin Mims Jr. for 30 yards. It looked like Nix had been throwing a deep in-breaker to Sutton on a “dagger” concept to move Denver to the edge of field goal range late in the game.
A penalty on Giants star Brian Burns helped set up the situation perfectly. Denver was in the ideal position to run the play Payton had been envisioning all week.
Payton explained,
> “You get in those fastball situations with no timeouts, whatever time is left on the clock. We walk-throughed it, went through it, and sure enough, it came up—the correct hash, everything.”
Nix relayed the call in the huddle, and Sutton barely had time to realize it was the play they’d practiced the day before. Motioning across the formation, Sutton saw the man coverage indicated by cornerback Andru Phillips following him.
On the snap, Sutton ran upfield, cut behind receiver Troy Franklin who ran a needle route across the field, creating just enough traffic for Sutton to widen out between Phillips and the sideline. Nix threw a perfect back-shoulder pass, and Sutton hauled it in.
The 60-yard field goal attempt became a manageable 39-yarder for kicker Wil Lutz — a game-winning kick as time expired.
Sutton reflected,
> “It’s amazing to have a coach like Sean where the hay is never in the barn. I’ve seen plays put in Saturday or even Sunday morning, and 99.8% of the time, those plays work because he sees something.”
Late-week breakthroughs like this not only change games but also build confidence in the players.
Tight end Evan Engram added,
> “Sometimes he just starts cookin’ at the end of the week. There always comes a time or a situation. That was pretty cool.”
Payton summarized his philosophy:
> “I hate that term, ‘The hay is in the barn.’ It’s never in the barn.”
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### 2. Nix’s 18-Yard Touchdown Run Rekindles Rookie Year Success
Bo Nix’s 18-yard touchdown run with 1:51 remaining gave Denver the lead and highlighted a key part of his 2024 success. Nix started slowly as a rookie, but quarterbacks coach Davis Webb recognized his potential last year during a frantic fourth quarter in a Week 6 loss.
Sunday’s fourth quarter echoed that game, but this time Denver finished with a win.
Of note, in Week 7 last season against New Orleans, Denver’s offense changed significantly. An NFC scout remarked:
> “The game started and I was like, ‘What is this offense?’”
Denver incorporated more speed, used Nix in designed run plays, and racked up over 200 rushing yards, setting the tone for a strong offensive stretch.
Fast forward a year later, Payton revived some of those concepts. On a key second-half drive inside the two-minute warning, Payton dialed up a rare designed quarterback run.
Nix entered the game with 33 carries for the season, most being improvisational scrambles. Designed runs were rare but effective.
In the play, Denver put four eligible receivers to the right and tight end Courtland Sutton tight on the left. At the snap, Nix darted left, following lead blocker Garrett Bolles who neutralized cornerback Andru Phillips. Defensive attention was stacked to the right, leaving Nix a clear path.
Payton explained,
> “We had saved that crack series from New Orleans a year ago… he has good enough legs. Everyone on defense is on the right; you have your left tackle and the quarterback.”
This play was one of several effective late-game calls by Payton and could become a staple if Denver leans into it more.
Interestingly, Payton dismissed talk about “tempo” after the game, though when trailing late, Denver’s faster pace helped the offense:
> “I don’t want to hear about tempo.”
Nix himself said,
> “We just started clicking, started playing fast, started clicking.”
No matter what you call it, if it works and fits the quarterback, that’s what counts.
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### 3. Quiet Russell Wilson Week, With a Classic Payton Dig
After a surprisingly quiet week related to Russell Wilson, Sean Payton still managed to get a jab in at his former quarterback.
Wilson, who was benched by the Giants after an 0-3 start in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart, was an afterthought Sunday. He did warmups, signed autographs near the visiting tunnel, and watched the game from the sideline.
Payton, who spent four seasons coaching for the Giants in the 1990s and remains close with owner John Mara, said after the game:
> “They found a little spark with that quarterback. I was talking to John Mara not too long ago, and I said, ‘We were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game.’”
Translation: Payton hoped Denver would face Wilson rather than the rookie Dart.
Wilson’s recent history at Empower Field is telling. Over three seasons and three different teams, he has watched his last three games at Denver mostly off the field — either benched, injured, or inactive.
Wilson signed a one-year $10.5 million deal with New York this offseason but lasted only three games before being benched. The trade deadline looms in two weeks, raising questions about his future.
Will a team pick him up as insurance or will Wilson be backing up Dart and hit free agency again in 2026?
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### 4. Dre Greenlaw Makes Impact in Debut, Teasing Future Potential
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw made his Broncos debut on Sunday after being activated from injured reserve. A source close to Greenlaw predicted:
> “I actually feel sorry for the Giants.”
Greenlaw had a tough spring with a quad injury and multiple setbacks, missing Weeks 3-6.
Once on the field, he made his presence felt fast — four assisted tackles in just six snaps, finishing with six tackles and a crushing hit on Jaxson Dart.
The Broncos managed his snap count carefully, capping him at 20 snaps before resting him for most of the stretch drive.
Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach said,
> “Just knowing how much of a dog he is — he goes hard. He gave us a good spark. When he’s off the snap limit, it’s going to be crazy. He’s downhill… I’ve got to watch out for him because he’s trying to beat me to the ball.”
If Greenlaw stays healthy, Broncos fans have plenty to look forward to.
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### 5. Marvin Mims Jr.: The Broncos’ Spark on Offense
Early in Sunday’s game, the Broncos’ offense struggled except when Marvin Mims Jr. was involved.
At one point, Mims had 26 yards on two touches while the rest of the offense managed just 17 yards on 16 plays.
Down the stretch, Mims made big plays— hauling in a contested 31-yard catch on a third-and-11 just before the two-minute warning, helping set up the go-ahead touchdown drive. He later added a 29-yard reception to spark the final drive for the game-winning field goal.
Mims finished with six catches (on seven targets) for 85 yards and added 13 rushing yards. The six catches tied his career second-most, a mark he also hit earlier against Cincinnati.
Interestingly, Mims’ big plays Sunday came from traditional receiver positions. Early this season, he was often used as a gadget player lining up in the backfield or motion.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Thursday,
> “We’re always looking for ways to get him involved, get him in space… Moving him around can stress a defense.”
Lombardi joked about not using him from the backfield anymore, but it remains to be seen if Denver will continue to feature Mims primarily as a traditional receiver.
His playing time has risen from 27% last year to 41% this season, and performances like Sunday showcase his potential beyond screens and gadget plays.
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### 6. The Broncos Overcame a Brutal Offensive Drought to Finish Strong
Before their explosive fourth quarter, the Broncos had been in a prolonged offensive funk.
From the second quarter of their Week 6 game in London through the third quarter Sunday, Denver netted just one point over 14 offensive possessions.
Their output in that stretch included 10 punts, a turnover on downs, a safety, and only a single field goal late against the Jets.
Sunday started with six punts, a turnover on downs, and a failed drive before halftime.
All of this bleak offensive performance made the 33 points they scored in five possessions during the fourth quarter— including four touchdowns, two two-point conversions, and a field goal — even more remarkable.
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#### 6b. Wil Lutz Delivers the Game-Winner
This marked the third walk-off field goal attempt in Denver’s seven games this season. On the third try, Wil Lutz finally delivered.
His 39-yard field goal with no time left was his first true game-winner in two-plus seasons with the Broncos.
Lutz said,
> “In that situation, my line doesn’t matter. We’re kicking it no matter where it is.”
He anticipated the kick as soon as the Broncos crossed midfield on the 29-yard completion from Nix to Mims.
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#### 6c. A Gift from the Giants’ Coaching Staff
Denver also owes thanks to Giants coach Brian Daboll for some questionable decisions.
After an early missed extra point, Daboll went for two and failed— costing the Giants two points.
Later, Giants kicker Jude McAtamney missed another extra point with 37 seconds left.
Taken together, these miscues cost New York three points.
Had the Giants made those extra points or settled for one after their third touchdown, they’d have had a 20-point lead — well into three-touchdown territory — making Denver’s comeback much less likely.
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### 7. Payton Not Celebrating, Eyes Focused on Clean-Up After the Win
After one of the most unpredictable games, Sean Payton hinted he won’t be the easiest person to be around in the coming days.
Players and team officials agreed.
Running back J.K. Dobbins said,
> “To be honest, it doesn’t feel sweet. It’s great to get the win, but we can’t have that.”
Dobbins was referring to Denver’s terrible first three quarters offensively, as well as costly penalties — including roughing the passer and pass interference on the Giants’ go-ahead drive.
Payton himself was flagged for berating officials, calling the penalty “silly.” The team accumulated 12 more penalties for 127 yards.
Also concerning were twice losing Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger for big gains.
While none of these issues seemed to hurt Denver immediately, they will surely sting during Monday film review.
Payton said,
> “I keep getting my hair cut, and it gets greyer. There’s relief, but as a coach, there’s often times when you lose, there are good things to build on. When you win, there are a ton of things that need cleaning up.”
He added,
> “We’re going to enjoy today, but tomorrow is not going to be as pleasant. It can’t be, or we’re fooling ourselves.”
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### Looking Ahead: Broncos Alone Atop AFC West
For the first time since Week 4 of the 2016 season, the Broncos sit alone in first place in the AFC West.
They have won four straight games, marking the third consecutive season under Payton with a streak of at least that length.
Denver is favored to extend the streak to five against Dallas next week.
Payton noted,
> “The following week, when you steal a win, is a challenging week. So we’ve got to be prepared to bury this and get ready.”
The coach didn’t smile in the locker room until defensive player of the year candidate Nik Bonitto encouraged him:
> “Nik Bonitto told me to smile. I said, ‘Alright, I’ll smile.’”
Payton concluded,
> “I just think there’s a lot of work ahead.”
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The Broncos’ miraculous comeback Sunday was a testament to Sean Payton’s coaching, Bo Nix’s growth, and several key players stepping up when it mattered most. With challenges ahead, Denver looks ready to build on this momentum.
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