The Denver Broncos achieved a remarkable comeback on October 29, 2023, defeating the New York Giants 33-32 after trailing by as much as 18 points in the fourth quarter. The victory, which unfolded at Empower Field at Mile High, not only marked a significant turnaround for the Broncos but also set a record for the largest fourth-quarter comeback by a team that had not scored in the first three quarters in NFL history.
In a game that saw the Broncos score a staggering 33 points in the final quarter, the team defied the odds against a backdrop of despair. Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II expressed the incredulity felt by his teammates, stating, “We fought to the end. In this league, no matter how much you’re down, there’s always a will, and there’s always a way.” Prior to this historic win, teams had lost 1,602 consecutive games when trailing by at least 18 points with six minutes remaining.
The Broncos had struggled throughout the first three quarters, falling behind 19-0 as the Giants’ rookie quarterback, Jaxson Dart, threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos’ offense managed to punt six times in their first nine possessions, leaving many fans questioning the team’s ability to compete.
Things began to shift for Denver when quarterback Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for a 2-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion that narrowed the gap to 19-8. Nix reflected on the moment, saying, “Once we scored and got the two-point conversion, it was like we knew how to play again.”
Yet, just as hope began to blossom, a deflected pass from Dart found its way to tight end Theo Johnson, extending the Giants’ lead to 26-8. However, the Broncos responded with a determined 13-play, 74-yard touchdown drive, culminating in another two-point conversion to make it 26-16.
The turning point came when linebacker Justin Strnad intercepted a pass from Dart, returning it to the Giants’ 19-yard line. This pivotal play energized the Broncos, who quickly scored to close the gap further to 26-23. The momentum continued to shift when Nix capped a six-play, 68-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown run, giving Denver their first lead of the game at 30-26 with 1:51 remaining.
As the Giants attempted to regain control, a pass interference penalty on Denver’s Riley Moss set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Dart managed to score on a quarterback sneak, putting the Giants ahead again at 32-30 with just 37 seconds left on the clock.
The Broncos, however, were not finished. Nix quickly rallied his team, launching a series of successful plays that set up kicker Brett Lutz for a 39-yard field goal. He converted the kick as time expired, sealing the game with a final score of 33-32.
The defeat was particularly painful for the Giants, with team captain Dexter Lawrence acknowledging, “Can’t give up 33 points in the fourth quarter.” Frustration lingered in the locker room, especially regarding the defensive strategy employed in the final moments. Defensive end Brian Burns expressed his dissent over the decision to drop into coverage rather than apply pressure, leaving his teammates to consider the implications of their approach.
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the game, Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto said, “I’ve never been down by that much and been able to come back. It was crazy; I’m still geeked.”
This thrilling victory not only boosts the morale of the Broncos but also serves as a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity. The historic comeback will be remembered as a defining moment in their season, showcasing the unpredictable nature of professional football.
