Win Column: The crucial plays that the Broncos used to defeat the Packers

Three of the Broncos’ four home games have been decided by two scores or fewer this season, and Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Green Bay Packers extended the trend of thrilling games at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver’s strong defense and effective running game allowed them to establish a commanding 16-3 lead, but the Packers rallied late to take a 17-16 advantage. A 52-yard field goal by Wil Lutz gave the Broncos the lead back in the closing minutes, and safety P.J. Locke’s first career interception clinched the victory. Due to the narrow margin of victory, every play and choice was crucial. Here are seven of the most significant plays that ensured Denver’s thrilling 19-17 victory.

Third-down incompletion is the result of Denver’s pass rush and CB Pat Surtain II’s coverage combined.
With 2:46 left in the first quarter and Denver up 3-0, the team is defending a third-and-7 from the Denver 46.

Breakdown: The Broncos’ defensive shutout against the visitors was the highlight of the first half. Denver restrained Green Bay’s rushing game and pushed Packers quarterback Jordan Love to play cautiously, allowing him to only gain 47 passing yards on 13 first-half pass attempts. It took the Packers until their fourth possession, halfway through the second quarter, to put together a drive of more than 20 yards. The Broncos’ stop on third down during the second offensive possession by the Packers exemplified the combination of their shutdown pass coverage and their steady pressure on Love. Baron, the outside linebackerLove was forced to make a snap choice to throw deep to wide receiver Jayden Reed down the left sideline after being pressured in the pocket. Just outside the line of scrimmage, Green Bay receiver Christian Watson attempted a pick, but cornerback Pat Surtain II dodged it and was all over Reed as the ball came in. Again forcing the Packers to punt, Surtain quickly swatted the throw down to deny the reception and set up fourth down.

They said as much: “We remain optimistic. We maintain our composure throughout the entire game. That’s how teams that win operate. Just maintain composure under pressure, which is exactly what we did and it helped us win the battle handily.” – Captain

Russell Wilson, the quarterback, breaks loose for a 21-yard field goal to put Denver in the red zone.
Situation: Denver leads 6-0 with 0:22 left in the second quarter and is facing a first-and-10 from the Green Bay 38.

Breakdown: With just over 40 seconds remaining, the Broncos offense decided to expand their lead rather than play conservatively after Packers kicker Anders Carlson missed his 43-yard field goal try. Jerry Jeudy’s reception to wide receiver moved the Broncos to midfield, but

Lutz’s attempt at a last-second field goal was made considerably simpler by a scamper a few plays later. Wilson sidestepped pressure from the pocket, faked a pump to misdirect Packers CB Keisean Nixon, and then made a diving tackle attempt to avoid being tackled in order to gain the first down. Wilson added more yards and gained momentum before being tackled at the Green Bay 17-yard line. At halftime, Lutz’s 35-yard field goal gave the Broncos a 9-0 lead. Later in the game, a crucial 50-yard field goal drive that took just 36 seconds to complete proved to be crucial.

They Said It: “I felt Wilson performed admirably. We triumphed. He executed the strategy flawlessly. He performed in plays outside of

A 21-yard dash by RB Javonte Williams ignites the Broncos’ score drive.
Situation: With 9:52 left in the third quarter and Denver leading 9-3, it’s first-and-10 from the Denver 43.

Breakdown: In 2023, the Broncos prioritized developing their run game in the second half. Their rushing offense successfully achieved this goal in the second half. Football player Javonte In the second half, Williams racked up 50 of his season-high 82 rushing yards, including a 21-yard burst that ignited the Broncos’ lone score drive. Nixon attempted a tackle in the backfield, but Williams stiff-armed him, found an opening, and dipped his head to complete a 21-yard run. The algorithm used by NFL Next Gen Stats predicted that Williams would not gain any yardage on

player until Sunday night in Week 7.

They Stated It This Way: “We thought we could [run the ball]. That seemed like it would be significant. We simply did not want to be in that game, even though it’s a pretty good front rush the passer. I felt the runners performed admirably.” The Payton

WR Courtland Sutton’s 18-yard touchdown reception puts the Broncos in the end zone.
Situation: Denver leads 9-3 with 6:22 left in the third quarter on a third-and-4 from the Green Bay 18.

Breakdown: Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver, caught six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Packers’ secondary. Sutton was particularly useful on third down, and Payton designed an isolation play to take use of his 6-foot-4 height and muscle. Wilson recognized Packers CB Rasul Douglas’ man coverage on Sutton through Sutton’s presnap motion, so instead of switching to a zone-

attacking play, Wilson stuck with the call. After allowing the play to progress, Wilson lofted an 18-yard ball to an open Sutton, setting up a crucial touchdown. Sutton’s fifth touchdown reception of the game was the score.

the season, the most by a Denver wide receiver through seven games since 2014’s Demaryius Thomas.

They Said It: “Coach made a really wise call there. Our goal was to isolate him. In addition to Courtland’s excellent job of opening up, I believe the receivers did a fantastic job of supporting him. The guys up front allowed me enough time, in my opinion, to drop back, read everything out, and go through my reads. After that, I found Courtland for a tremendous touchdown, which was another significant moment.” – Wilson