Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton emphatically declared his team earned their 27-26 victory over the Washington Commanders Sunday night, dismissing suggestions of a narrow escape.The win, secured after a deflected two-point conversion attempt in overtime, underscores a season defined by close contests for the Broncos.
Payton’s assertion comes as the Broncos continue a late-season surge, building a winning streak fueled by consistently tight games. This victory, like many others recently, hinged on a single play – a deflection by Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto that thwarted a potential game-winning conversion for Washington. The outcome highlights the team’s ability to perform under pressure and capitalize on crucial moments, a characteristic Payton believes is essential for sustained success.
The Commanders attempted to win the game outright after scoring a touchdown with 2:47 remaining in overtime. Quarterback Marcus Mariota targeted running back Jeremy McNichols,who was open,but Bonitto’s reach proved decisive.
“we didn’t escape. We won,” Payton stated to the Associated Press via Michael Phillips. “The journey of a good team’s season involves games like this. And then you believe you can do it again.”
Denver’s recent wins have been remarkably close; their last four victories have totaled a margin of just 10 points. Seven of their nine wins during their current streak have been decided by four points or less. While acknowledging a degree of luck, Payton’s focus remains on the team’s consistent positioning to benefit from favorable outcomes.
the Broncos’ penchant for close games could position them for a top seed in the AFC playoff picture. Any team aspiring to reach the Super Bowl through the AFC will likely face the challenge of securing a win in Denver – a challenge Payton believes his team is prepared to meet.
