Broncos' defense steps up in win over Colts

Field Level Media|published: Sun 15th December, 20:07 2024

Dec 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs through the tackle of Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) and defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos' defense shut out the visiting Indianapolis Colts in the second half as it forced five turnovers and scored a touchdown in a 31-13 win on Sunday.

Bo Nix completed 20 of 33 passes for 130 yards and threw three touchdowns and three interceptions for Denver (9-5). Anthony Richardson was 17-of-38 passing for 172 yards with a rushing touchdown and two interceptions for the Colts (6-8).

Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins and Courtland Sutton caught touchdowns for the Broncos. Brandon Jones and Patrick Surtain II had interceptions while Nik Bonitto and D.J. Jones recovered fumbles.

In a game marred by turnovers, the Broncos overcame three of their own. It was a pair of big plays that turned the game for Denver.

Marvin Mims' 60-yard punt return set up Nix's 15-yard touchdown pass to Adkins as Denver took its first lead of the game at 17-13 early in the fourth quarter.

On the Colts' next drive, Bonitto sniffed out an Indianapolis trick play that featured a double pass. He caught the backwards pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown and a 24-13 Denver lead with 12:29 left.

The Colts opened the game with a 10 play, 70-yard scoring drive. Richardson's 23-yard keeper on a zone read was the longest touchdown run of his career as the Colts went up 7-0.

Zaire Franklin intercepted Nix's pass on the first Broncos possession and Indianapolis led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Matt Gay's 37-yard field goal gave the Colts a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. Denver got on the board as Trautman caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Nix with 5:29 left in the second quarter.

Gay tacked on a 49-yarder in the final seconds of the half for a 13-7 Indianapolis lead.

In the third quarter, Jonathan Taylor (107 rushing yards) blew the opportunity to put the Colts up two scores when his 41-yard touchdown run was overturned because he let go off the ball prior to crossing the goal line.

Soon after, Nix's overthrow was intercepted by Nick Cross. But one play later, P.J. Locke forced a Michael Pittman Jr. fumble that was recovered by D.J. Jones. Wil Lutz pulled the Broncos within 13-10 with a 44-yard field goal.

Late in the fourth quarter, Sutton hauled in a 20-yard touchdown as the Broncos put the game away.

--Field Level Media

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