Bo Nix supports Sean Payton’s call on Broncos’ comeback for the ages

Initial thoughts on the Broncos’ 33-32 win over the New York Giants in Week 7 at Empower Field:

1. Rookie RBs: Consider the RJ Harvey-vs-Cam Skattebo debate over. In a landslide. Broncos head coach Sean Payton did everything he could to get his rookie running back off to an early start, scoring four touches in the first quarter…for a grand total of zero yards. Add in Harvey’s ill-advised decision to line up a kickoff along the sideline — which caused the Broncos to start a drive at their 6-yard line after he went out of bounds — and it’s no surprise that he didn’t touch the ball again for two quarters. Worse things yet? Skattebo, the Giants’ rookie draft pick 45 after Harvey last spring, had eight touches for 52 yards and a touchdown by halftime.

Broncos score franchise-record 33 points in fourth quarter to cruise to victory over Giants

2. Bolles’ moment denied: We’ll tell our grandkids about the time Bo Nix failed to connect with a wide-open Garett Bolles in the end zone. Everyone in the building knew where the ball was going the moment No. 72 was announced as an eligible receiver — everyone except the Giants defense, at least. Sure enough, on second-and-goal from the Giants’ 2, Bolles escaped down the left side and found himself all alone. All Nix had to do was throw the ball to his left tackle. Instead, Nix tried to pass it through two defenders, but the ball was knocked over and Bolles could only struggle as he fell helplessly to the turf. Two plays later, Denver came away with zero points.

3. Russ Bowl denied… again: Russell Wilson returned to Denver for the second time since his ignominious departure in the winter of 2024. And, for the second time since his ignominious departure, he watched the entire game from the opposing sidelines. Of course, there were moments of action. Like when he took the field in the third quarter to warm up rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart before the Giants’ third touchdown of the game. Otherwise, those knee highs would get stuck in place. And this time, unlike last year with the Steelers, his team came away losing.

Renck: When it mattered most, the Broncos showed heart, paying deserved tribute to DT, the Super Bowl 50 team

4. Solid finish: Who had the idea of ​​playing the week after a trip to London? Oh yeah, the Broncos head coach. It seems Mr. Payton knows something we don’t. Because what his team achieved was a comeback for the ages. The Giants led 26-8 with just over 10 minutes remaining. But the Broncos kept plugging away. Justin Strnad took down Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart. Bo Nix had two touchdowns, the last from 18 yards with Garett Bolles leading the way. And when the Broncos looked finished — again — with 33 seconds left and the ball on the Denver 23-yard line, Nix made two incredible throws, first to Marvin Mims Jr. for 29 yards, then to Courtland Sutton for 22. Then Wil Lutz buried a 39-yarder at the whistle. A quarter. 33 points. Return completed.

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Originally published: October 19, 2025 at 5:48 p.m. MDT