Nik Bonitto delivered one of the most clutch defensive plays you’ll see this NFL season — preserving a wild 27–26 overtime win for the Denver Broncos against the Washington Commanders Sunday night. He leapt in and batted away a 2-point conversion attempt by the Commanders’ quarterback Marcus Mariota that would have ended the game — turning what looked like a certain loss into a dramatic Broncos victory in overtime.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start. After regulation ended tied, the Broncos struck first in overtime when RJ Harvey powered in a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Then the Commanders answered — Mariota connected with Terry McLaurin for a touchdown after a critical pass-interference call gave them a second chance inside the red zone. Rather than settle for overtime, Washington went for two — and that’s when Bonitto struck.
In addition to the game-sealing play, Bonitto’s night included three tackles and a sack, highlighting his overall impact on the defensive end. With this win, Denver stretches its current winning streak to nine games and improves to 10–2 on the season, staying firmly atop the AFC West.
For the Commanders, it’s another overtime heartache — and their woes continue, now with another close defeat added to their record.
For Denver, this escape underlines their identity this season: resilient, opportunistic, and built on timely plays by guys like Bonitto stepping up.