The Denver Broncos outlasted the Washington Football Team, 17-10, on Sunday in a matchup of struggling teams.
The game was scoreless in the first quarter, and the team’s traded field goals in the second quarter. Finally, the Broncos put a touchdown on the scoreboard just before halftime.
Washington’s defense kept it in the game, until late in the third quarter when quarterback Taylor Heinicke found wide receiver DeAndre Carter for a 20-yard touchdown to tie the game. It was the perfect ending to an outstanding drive by Washington, which featured the perfect mix of running and passing.
The Broncos would answer in the fourth quarter, giving them what felt like an insurmountable 17-10 lead.
But Heinicke and the Washington offense moved the ball down the field again, with running back J.D. McKissic doing plenty of the heavy lifting. Wide receiver Dax Milne also made a key 21-yard reception on the drive.
With a first-and-10 at the Denver 11-yard line, Washington’s offense fell apart again. A three-yard pass to Antonio Gibson on first down was followed by a wide receiver screen to Terry McLaurin. The play wasn’t blocked up as the other receivers were running their routes.
Then, Heinicke was sacked on third down, followed by what was essentially a hail mary from the 20-yard line which was intercepted by Denver safety Justin Simmons.
Amazingly, instead of just taking a knee, the Broncos did some bizarre things with the football. Rookie running back Javonte Williams fumbled but the Broncos recovered. Then, Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw an incomplete pass. On third down, Broncos running back Melvin Gordon fumbled and Washington would get the ball deep in Denver territory with two timeouts remaining.
As is the norm, Washington’s offense failed in the red zone, preserving an ugly win for the Broncos.
Heinicke had some moments in the game, but he failed on Washington’s final two drives, and that’s what people will remember — and rightfully so.
The loss drops Washington to 2-6. The team is on a bye next week and then returns to FedEx Field for a Week 10 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.