The Denver Broncos are showcasing some serious defensive firepower this season, with Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto standing out as top contenders for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Sunday’s clash against the Indianapolis Colts offered both players another platform to shine, and they did not disappoint.
Let’s dive into what went down. The Broncos’ defense initially stumbled out of the gate against the Colts, as Indianapolis capitalized on a few early third-down situations. Anthony Richardson found his groove early, even cruising untouched into the endzone with a 23-yard carry on a quarterback keeper.
However, once the Broncos tightened up, they flipped the script. The turning point came after Jonathan Taylor’s costly fumble rolled out of the end zone for a touchback, giving Denver a prime opportunity to clamp down on defense.
Patrick Surtain II stepped up in classic style, snagging a pivotal interception against Richardson in the fourth quarter after showcasing his lockdown coverage with a crucial pass breakup. Meanwhile, Nik Bonitto was all over the field. Not only did he rack up a half-sack, but he also dazzled with a defensive play that saw him return a trick play attempt from the Colts straight to the house. Officially dubbed a fumble return, it was clear to the eye that Bonitto made the most of a pass that came his way.
Together, Surtain and Bonitto were vital to two of the Broncos’ four takeaways that day, with Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke causing the other game-changing turnovers.
In addition to these standout performances, rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine made a name for himself in the limited action he received. With an impressive performance in both man and zone coverage, Abrams-Draine defended key passes and allowed only one catch for a mere 11 yards over seven targets, contributing significantly in his 34 snaps of coverage.
The Broncos’ defense is clearly making waves, and with playmakers like Surtain and Bonitto leading the charge, they have become a formidable unit that the rest of the league must watch out for.
