A Mile High thriller concluded Sunday’s Week 3 slate.
The Denver Broncos outlasted the Los Angeles Rams 30-26 on Sunday Night Football on NBC and Peacock, as the game went down to the final second.
After a late Bo Nix touchdown, Matthew Stafford and Co. had about 40 seconds to get down the field and steal the game with a touchdown.
With the game on the line, Stafford’s attempt fell short and into the hands of Talanoa Hufanga, who was a difference maker throughout.
The win moved Denver up to 2-1 as it battles a tough schedule, while the Rams fell to 1-2.
Let’s break down the Sunday night affair further with takeaways:
Talanoa Hufanga takes the headlines
Hufanga’s game-sealing interception wasn’t his only pivotal moment on the night. The 26-year-old safety came up with a crucial pick-six earlier in the fourth quarter.
On a 3rd-and-five in Denver territory, Stafford’s attempt to hit the flat route was read by Hufanga, who took it back for 66 yards for the score. Hufanga, after the game, credited Stafford’s speed and said he’s faster than he looks, but this moment gave Denver its first lead of the night.
Another quiet game for Aaron Donald
The 35-year-old Donald still isn’t quite up to his previous levels yet. After a two-year return, he was held to just one tackle and one quarterback hit. With Myles Garrett out a good chunk of the season, Los Angeles will need much more from its star. But at the moment, it’s evident opposing offensive linemen aren’t too fearful of him.
A tight pass interference on Josh Wallace sparks debate
Refereeing came into question again as multiple penalties disrupted the flow of play late in the fourth quarter. The Rams were on the wrong side for most of them, with the biggest back-breaker involving cornerback Josh Wallace.
On a third down, Nix was flushed out and it looked like he was all out of options. He then heaved a pass to the sidelines toward Pat Bryant. However, Wallace had actually come down with the ball for an interception. But another twist occurred as Wallace was flagged for defensive pass interference, giving Denver a first down as it eventually went on to score.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay believed, upon replay, that Wallace did not commit a foul, and if the corner had both feet inbounds, then it should’ve been a pick. The result can’t be changed now, but it will be a talking point.
Broncos’ offense still isn’t quite there
Denver may have come back down 16 to pull off the win, but it wasn’t the smoothest or most pleasing comeback. The pick-six by Hufanga certainly helped, but the Broncos’ offense didn’t stand out, bar a few key catches by Bryant and Courtland Sutton.
Nix threw for 186 yards, two touchdowns and a pick on 17 of 34 completions while rushing in the game-winning score on a QB dive. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 49 yards on 17 carries, good for 2.9 yards per carry. RJ Harvey had more injury issues.
Will this be sustainable under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb? Next week’s road game vs. the 3-0 San Francisco 49ers may answer more questions.