Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game

The Denver Broncos’ recent matchup against the Washington Commanders wasn’t just another win in their historic 2024 season—it was a masterclass in balanced football, featuring standout plays on both offense and defense that kept fans on the edge of their seats from kickoff to the final whistle. Played at Empower Field at Mile High in front of a sold-out crowd of 76,543, the game showcased why the Broncos are legitimate AFC No. 1 seed contenders, as they overcame early pressure to secure a 31-17 victory. From game-changing interceptions to explosive rushing touchdowns, every quarter brought memorable moments that added to the Broncos’ growing legacy this season. Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game breaks down the key plays, standout players, and pivotal moments that defined this crucial win.

One of the most electrifying highlights of the game came in the second quarter, when Broncos running back Javonte Williams turned a simple handoff into a 62-yard touchdown run that shifted the momentum firmly in Denver’s favor. With the game tied 7-7 and the Broncos facing a second-and-5 from their own 38-yard line, Williams took a handoff from Russell Wilson, broke through an initial tackle by Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis, and then outran the entire Commanders secondary down the right sideline for the score. The play was a perfect showcase of Williams’ blend of power and speed—he dragged a defender for 5 yards before breaking free, then used his 4.48-second 40-yard dash speed to pull away from pursuit. The touchdown gave the Broncos a 14-7 lead, and the Empower Field crowd erupted in cheers, with fans waving orange towels and chanting Williams’ name. “That run was a game-changer,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton after the game. “Javonte didn’t just score—he sent a message that our run game isn’t going to be stopped easily.” Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game notes that this play wasn’t just a highlight reel moment; it was a strategic win, as it forced the Commanders to shift their defense to stop the run, opening up opportunities for the Broncos’ passing attack later in the game.

The Broncos’ defense also delivered a series of highlights, none more impactful than Justin Simmons’ third-quarter interception that snuffed out a potential Commanders comeback. With the Broncos leading 21-14 and the Commanders driving deep into Denver territory—at the Broncos’ 18-yard line—Commanders quarterback Sam Howell attempted a pass to tight end Logan Thomas in the end zone. Simmons, who had been playing deep in center field, read the play perfectly, cut across the field, and leaped to intercept the pass, landing safely in the end zone for a touchback. The interception was Simmons’ fifth of the season, tying him for the AFC lead, and it marked the third time in four games he had recorded a takeaway in the red zone. After the play, Simmons celebrated with his defensive teammates, holding the ball up to the crowd as Empower Field roared. The interception didn’t just stop the Commanders’ drive; it gave the Broncos’ offense excellent field position, leading to a 45-yard field goal by Wil Lutz that extended Denver’s lead to 24-14. Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game emphasizes that this play was a classic example of the Broncos’ defensive dominance this season—turning opponents’ scoring chances into momentum-shifting moments for Denver.

For the Denver Broncos, another key highlight was Russell Wilson’s precision passing in the fourth quarter, which sealed the victory and showcased his growth as a game-manager this season. With the Broncos leading 24-17 and the Commanders pressing for a game-tying score, Wilson led a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ate up 5:32 of clock time and ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Adam Trautman. Wilson was nearly perfect on the drive, completing 8 of 9 passes for 68 yards, including a critical third-and-7 completion to Courtland Sutton for 15 yards that kept the drive alive. What stood out most was Wilson’s composure; he avoided pressure from Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat twice, stepping up in the pocket to deliver accurate passes. The touchdown pass to Trautman was Wilson’s 23rd of the season, and it marked the 12th time this year he had led a fourth-quarter drive that either tied the game or extended a lead. For the Denver Broncos, this drive was a highlight not just because it secured the win, but because it demonstrated Wilson’s ability to control the game in pressure situations—a skill that has been crucial to the team’s nine-game win streak. Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game explores how Wilson’s steady play has become a cornerstone of the Broncos’ success, turning him into a reliable leader rather than a high-risk, high-reward quarterback.

The Denver Broncos’ special teams unit also contributed a memorable highlight, as rookie punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. returned a Commanders punt 43 yards in the first quarter, setting up the Broncos’ first touchdown of the game. With the game still scoreless and the Broncos pinned deep in their own territory, Mims fielded a 45-yard punt from Tress Way at the Denver 12-yard line, made a quick cut to his left to avoid the first wave of Commanders tacklers, and then sprinted down the left sideline, breaking two more tackles before being brought down at the Washington 45-yard line. The return was Mims’ longest of the season, and it gave the Broncos excellent field position—their first drive that started outside their own 20-yard line. Four plays later, Wilson connected with Sutton for a 22-yard touchdown pass, giving the Broncos a 7-0 lead. Mims, who had been limited to mostly kickoff returns earlier in the season, has quickly emerged as a dynamic punt return threat, averaging 12.8 yards per punt return in his last four games. For the Denver Broncos, this special teams play was a highlight because it broke the early deadlock and gave the team a much-needed boost of energy. Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game notes that special teams often fly under the radar, but Mims’ return proved how critical they can be in setting up scoring opportunities and shifting momentum.

Finally, the Denver Broncos’ team defense delivered a highlight-reel stop in the final two minutes of the game, when Bradley Chubb and Nik Bonitto combined for a sack that forced a Commanders turnover on downs, officially ending Washington’s chances of a comeback. With the Commanders trailing 31-17 and facing a fourth-and-10 from their own 25-yard line, Howell dropped back to pass, looking for wide receiver Terry McLaurin downfield. Chubb, who had already recorded one sack earlier in the game, beat Commanders right tackle Andrew Wylie with a speed rush, forcing Howell to step up in the pocket—right into the path of Bonitto, who wrapped up Howell for the sack. The play marked the Broncos’ 40th sack of the season, tying them for second in the AFC, and it was the third time in the game the defensive line had combined for a sack. After the play, the Broncos’ defense celebrated together on the field, with Chubb and Bonitto embracing as the crowd counted down the final seconds. For the Denver Broncos, this stop was a fitting highlight to end the game, as it showcased the team’s defensive depth and their ability to come through in critical moments. Highlights from the Denver Broncos' Commanders Game concludes that this win wasn’t just about individual plays—it was about a team working together to dominate on all three sides of the ball. As the Broncos continue their chase for the AFC No. 1 seed, games like this one serve as a reminder of why they’re one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.