Angela Rae Harris's Blog, page 14

Mark Kiszla: After beating Eagles’ tushies in reigning champs’ crib, the Broncos fear nobody in the NFL

PHILADELPHIA – The last time the Broncos won a football game this big, quarterback Bo Nix wasn’t old enough to drive a car on his own, much less drive Denver to a wild-and-crazy upset of the reigning NFL champions.

After scoring 18 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to beat Philadelphia 21-17 Sunday, coach Sean Payton gathered his Denver players and dared to ask them:

“Who are you afraid of?”

Well, to tell the truth, there were more than a few of us in Broncos Country who were more than a little fearful we might not live long enough to see such happy football days around here again.

The last time Denver felt so absolutely on top of the NFL world was when linebacker Von Miller ripped the Superman cape off Cam Newton and veteran quarterback Peyton Manning rode into a resplendent orange sunset during the afterglow of a lopsided victory against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

That long-ago winter day – Feb. 7, 2016 – was the last truly euphoric moment enjoyed by Broncomaniacs. And how long ago was that? Put it this way:

Nix was a teenager in Alabama more than two weeks shy of his 16th birthday. Nobody in America had heard of COVID-19. And Donald J. Trump was most famous for being a reality TV show star.

So forgive me if this tale of the biggest Broncos win in nearly a decade sounded like a coming-of-age story for Nix and a long-suffering NFL franchise.

In the city that inspired the “Rocky” flicks, not even Sly Stallone would’ve written a comeback script requiring such suspension of disbelief.

“It’s not easy going out there (down) 17-3,” Nix said, “and you haven’t had much success.”

You best believe that with Denver trailing by two touchdowns and Nix stuck with a failing QB rating of 61.6 after three quarters, even the Broncos were doubting themselves.

“I sit here and say how everybody was resilient and had this no-blink mentality. But we’re all human at the end of the day,” said seven-year NFL veteran Courtland Sutton, who has endured more orange-and-blue pain during a lost decade than almost anyone in the Broncos locker room.

“You look up at the scoreboard, you’re down 14 to the defending champs on the road. And there’s like this split-second decision that you have to make within yourself. Hey, am I going to fall into human nature and say: ‘Damn, they got us.’ Or am I going to say: ‘Nah, I got a whole bunch of guys around me that believe.’”

Sutton and his teammates got punched in the mouth by the reigning champs. They did blink, but refused to back down.

After losing twice already this season in games they never trailed for even a second in the fourth quarter until the last seconds on the scoreboard clock had expired, the Broncos decided their time to make a bold statement was now. 

So why did Denver go for the gusto of a two-point conversion when a no-drama kick for the extra point could’ve tied the contest with 7 minutes, 36 seconds remaining in the final period? 

“We came here to win a game,” Payton explained.

Since taking over a team in complete disarray left by the brief but extremely regrettable error that was Nathaniel Hackett, the new coach had not only been forced to rebuild the roster, but overhaul the mindset of a Denver locker room that had learned to way too readily accept losing as a way of life.

“You can’t get a chance to play in these games that have a ton of upside … relative to what we want to become,” Payton said. “This (was) one of them.”

Go ahead and underscore in bright orange ink the gutsy call by Payton and the deadly dagger of a jab step by receiver Troy Franklin that got him wide open for a catch on the two-point conversion. The play was more than worthy of inclusion in ESPN’s daily Top 10 highlight reel.

But I’m here to tell you the moment Nix and his fellow Broncos grew up, transforming themselves from dreamy pretenders to legit contenders,  occurred earlier in that same come-from-behind touchdown drive.

Facing third-and-long at the Philadelphia 45-yard line after an offensive pass interference penalty, Nix went over the top of the Eagles’ vaunted defense to loft a football deep down the right sideline and watched it land softly in the sure hands of Sutton for a 34-yard gain.

“One of the biggest plays,” Nix said, “in that game.”

He was being far too humble. It was the play when Nix arrived as a QB that showed he’s capable of Elway-esque heroics in the fourth quarter.

It was also Big Mo’s invitation to jump on the Broncos bandwagon. In that instant when Nix burned the Eagles’ tushies on a backside route to Sutton, the defending champs knew these young, scrappy, and hungry punks from Denver were ready to rock the NFL world.

How ready?

In a victorious locker room rocking with so much newfound swagger, the walls shook, I repeated Payton’s question to Franklin.

From Kansas City to Philadelphia and all NFL teams in between, who in this league are these Broncos afraid of now?

“Who are we afraid of? I don’t know, I don’t know,” Franklin replied.

With a respectful “Yes, sir,” Franklin added a direct answer to that big question.

Whom do the Broncos fear?  “Nobody.”

‘Aggressive’ Sean Payton calls for key 2-point conversion in win over Eagles | Broncos notebook

PHILADELPHIA — In Week 17 last December, quarterback Bo Nix put up two fingers in the hope the Broncos would go for a two-point conversion late in a game at Cincinnati.

They didn’t.

That wasn’t the case in Denver’s 21-17 win Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. After Nix threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram with 7:36 left in regulation to cut the deficit to 17-16, Broncos coach Sean Payton signaled for a two-point conversion.

“Next thing I knew he was just giving the hash, gave me the call, and we had one play to go get the job done,’’ Nix said.

Nix threw a successful two-point pass to a wide-open Troy Franklin on the right side of the end zone to give the Broncos the lead for good at 18-17.

“Troy ran a great route we’ve been practicing for a couple of weeks, and he got in the end zone,” Nix said.

Payton had received some criticism last season when wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. caught a 25-yard touchdown pass with Nix with 8 seconds left in regulation at Cincinnati to pull the Broncos within 24-23. Payton opted to kick the extra point, with one reason being a tie would have clinched a playoff berth. Denver lost 30-24 in overtime but did clinch a berth the following week on the last day of the regular season.

On Sunday, there was a lot more time left in the game. But Payton didn’t hesitate going for two.

“I had two or three calls that I loved,’ Payton said. “Sometimes you use those calls inside the 5. I got to a call that I had a lot of confidence in and the guys executed. It was perfect. … Let’s keep being aggressive.”

Franklin sure loved the aggressiveness.

“I’ve been doing it all week,’’ Frankin said of practicing the play. “So, I kind of just put my mindset as like, ‘All right, just trust your technique.’’’

After the two-point conversion, the Broncos got a 36-yard field goal by Wil Lutz with 1:11 left in the game for a 21-17 lead. So by having a four-point lead — rather than a three-point lead — the Eagles had to score a touchdown to win after they got to Denver’s 29 with 9 seconds left. Two throws by Jalen Hurts were incomplete.

Bonitto takes over sack lead

The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year has endorsed a possible successor.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II won the award in 2024. Now, Denver outside linebacker Nik Bonitto is a strong candidate to claim it in 2025.

“Pat says he’s the DPOY right now,’’ said Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen. “I think it’s pretty accurate.”

Bonitto on Sunday tied his career high with 2.5 sacks and has taken over the NFL lead with seven. Bonitto also had 2.5 in Week 4 of 2023 at Chicago.

Bonitto recently told The Denver Gazette it is “very reasonable” he breaks Von Miller’s 2012 team record of 18.5 sacks in a season. Bonitto is now on pace to finish with 24 sacks, which would break the NFL record of 22.5.

“He’s a super pass rusher,’’ Payton said.

Bonitto’s seven sacks are the second most by Broncos player in the first five games of a season. Elvis Dumervil had eight in 2009.

“Obviously, I had the sacks, but I felt like everybody was really rushing well (Sunday),” said Bonitto, whose Broncos sacked Hurts six times.

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) break up a pass for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) in the endzone as time expires during the second half Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Lincoln Finanacial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

London bound

After defeating the Eagles, the Broncos flew to London, where they will take on the New York Jets on Sunday.

“(It’s) definitely a lot nicer than going there with a loss,’’ said defensive lineman Zach Allen. “That’s probably why everybody is so excited they’re just going to have a good time in London.”

Well, perhaps the excitement will be restrained after the Broncos arrive. Payton talked about it being a business trip.

“It’s going to be exactly like a practice week. You want the schedule?’’ Payton said, giving daily practice details. “No sightseeing. We’re staying in the middle of nowhere. … The guys will have some dinner I’m sure. It’s a normal work week.”

The Broncos announced after Sunday’s game that guard Ben Powers (biceps) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (not injury related, personal) did not travel with the team to London. The Broncos said their status will next be updated when Wednesday’s injury report comes out. Powers finished the game for Denver.

Game ball for Payton

After Sunday’s game, Broncos owner Greg Penner presented Payton with a game ball for passing his mentor Bill Parcells and moving into a tie for No. 15 on the NFL’s coaching wins list.

Payton now has 173 wins. That’s one more than Parcells, who had Payton as an assistant with Dallas from 2002-05. Payton then took his first head coach position with New Orleans in 2006.

“(Parcells) and I spoke this past week and we don’t keep track of that kind of stuff,’’ Payton said.

Payton said he and Parcells reminisced about how Parcells had stints in the NFC East with the New York Giants and Dallas and faced the Eagles regularly in division battles. He said the two were “talking about coming to Philly,” where Payton broke into the NFL as an Eagles assistant from 1997-98.

“I grew up here as a kid,’’ Payton said. “My first NFL job was here.”

Briefly

Bonitto told The Denver Gazette before the game the Broncos weren’t going to Philadelphia just to “make it a close game” but were “going there to win.” After the game, he said, “We’re a good team. We have aspirations and we knew we weren’t trying to come here just to be close and lose the game. We wanted to come in here and win.” … After rookie defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones was active last Monday against Cincinnati and Jordan Jackson wasn’t, those roles were reversed Sunday. Also inactive for Denver were running back Jaleel McLaughlin, outside linebacker Que Robinson, tackle Frank Crum and quarterback Sam Ehlinger. … Denver’s Jeremy Crawshaw had another strong game, averaging 46.9 yards gross and 41.9 net on seven punts.

Broncos QB Bo Nix topples Vic Fangio’s vaunted Eagles defense: ‘He’s a competitor’

PHILADELPHIA — The Broncos took one more step in proving they’ve got the right answer at quarterback. 

Call it another twist of the proverbial knife into Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio when Bo Nix stepped up on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field to help deliver a 21-17 victory for the Broncos against their former head coach. 

Remember January 2022? The Broncos fired Fangio after three seasons when the team tried and failed, multiple times, to identify a franchise quarterback.

Remember last week? Fangio compared Nix to Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and said the Broncos have “got their quarterback for the future.” 

“They looked long and hard for many years,” Fangio continued. “They got one.” 

Nix put a stamp on Fangio’s evaluation on Sunday with a Mayfield-esque performance in Philadelphia. 

The Broncos trailed 17-3 after three quarters. That’s when Nix took control.  

He went 9 of 10 passing for 126 yards in the fourth quarter with three consecutive scoring drives and 18 unanswered points. Denver led after an 11-yard touchdown strike to tight end Evan Engram and a successful 2-point conversion throw to wide receiver Troy Franklin.  

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) celebrates as he and his teammates leave the field after the Broncos defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 21-17 Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Lincoln Finanacial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

“He’s a competitor,” coach Sean Payton said of Nix. “There were a handful of plays in the first half that I know he’d want back. … But that all being said, man, you can feel his leadership when it matters. And then you can feel the confidence with his teammates when it matters. So, he played exceptional in the second half.” 

Nix entered Sunday with just two career NFL victories against teams with winning records, including the Chiefs’ backups a year ago. Taking down the previously undefeated Eagles (4-1) is another sign of growth in Year 2 as the Broncos’ starting quarterback. He also didn’t turn the ball over in Philadelphia. 

“To tell you the truth, it’s not easy going out there (down) 17-3 and you haven’t had much success,” Nix said in his postgame news conference. “It’s tough to get things going. You want to have juice, but you just know what’s happened to you already. … We just needed one drive. Let’s go down the field one play at a time (and) let’s put a drive together. We stopped talking about points. We said: ‘Look, we got to go get a touchdown. Points are not just what we want. We want to go get six.’  

“We kind of spoke it into existence.” 

Nix specifically credited the production and leadership of Courtland Sutton in the fourth quarter. The veteran wide receiver made several key plays — including a 34-yard catch on third-and-long to move the chains — to set up Engram’s go-ahead touchdown. Sutton called Nix “a very passionate guy” who takes losing especially hard.  

“It ultimately motivates everyone around him,” Sutton said. “I tell him all the time: ‘You’re not doing this by yourself. But what can I do to be better for you?’ … To see him go out there and put together those drives, it didn’t surprise me, but it was really cool to be a part of it.” 

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) slides to the ground after running against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) during the second half Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Lincoln Finanacial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

The Broncos (3-2) move ahead in Week 6 to play the Jets in London. The Eagles (4-1) and Fangio are the latest football victims from the rise of Nix. The Broncos, finally, have found their quarterback.  

Just ask Vic. 

“It proves that we can go on the road and beat these tough teams,” Nix said.  

Broncos tight end Evan Engram scores critical late-game touchdown to beat Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — A fiery exchange between Sean Payton and Evan Engram laid the groundwork for a breakout performance. 

“I got pissed at him and he was pissed at me,” Payton said. 

Engram explained: “It was pretty quick. I guess he didn’t like my body language.” 

The Broncos defeated the Eagles, 21-17, on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. A brief but heated chat between head coach and tight end preceded arguably Denver’s biggest play in a comeback victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. 

The Broncos trailed, 17-10, with under 8 minutes left in regulation with a first down at the Philadelphia 11-yard line. Quarterback Bo Nix rolled out right on play action and surveyed the short field. Engram came off his initial block and found a soft spot in the middle of Philadelphia’s coverage. Nix delivered the quick pass, and Engram made his move. 

The veteran tight end broke two tackles before diving into the end zone for his first Broncos touchdown since signing in free agency. Denver converted a two-point conversion — Nix passing to wide receiver Troy Franklin — to pull ahead 18-17 and never looked back.

It was a rollercoaster game for Engram. He went into halftime with one catch for minus-3 yards. Engram finished the game with four receptions for 33 yards and a critical touchdown after Payton got into his ear. 

“I just got after him a little just because I knew that he hadn’t gotten the touches,” Payton said. “Then it was like, alright, let’s find these throws real quick. He responded, and it was kind of a good thing. … He’s a great weapon. He made some big plays, obviously, the touchdown. He’s not the primary (target) and the guy is in the quarterback’s face. He made some big plays for us.” 

It’s been a work in progress for Engram to gain chemistry in Payton’s offense with Nix at quarterback. Engram missed playing time earlier this season due to calf and back injuries. He tallied just eight catches for 62 yards entering Week 5 against the Eagles. Engram played on only 40% of the team’s offensive snaps over that span. 

Engram never lost faith in Nix or his ability to contribute.  

“That stuff takes time, and it takes stepping up in moments like that,” Engram said. “I think (Nix) played great. I think he does a great job of preparation. I think he does a great job of preparation. I think he does a great job of staying present during the game and doing his job to the best of his ability. All of that stuff will come. I just think we’ve just got to continue to just be better as an offense and continue to try and even clean up what we need to clean up after this one.

“But it’s definitely a good one to get. Definitely a really good one to build on.” 

Nix described Engram as a “great teammate” following the road win over Philadelphia. Nix specifically called out work ethic and preparation as reasons why Engram has earned trust in the locker room. 

“He adds a level of experience (and) competitive nature that not everybody in that situation has. Especially not playing a whole lot, probably as much as he wanted to, but he never really complained,” Nix said. “He never wavered. He just kind of figured out how he can be pieced in, and then once his moment showed up today, he made a couple of really huge catches on those drives — and breaking a tackle to go score was big. You don’t have to run any more plays against a tough red zone defense. It was really good to see him get into the end zone.  

“I’m excited for what’s to come for him. … It’s just trying to build certain things and put him in places to succeed. I think he showed today that he’s on the right track.” 

Right guard Quinn Meinerz added: “I’ve loved having (Engram) as my teammate. He works his tail off all the time. He’s constantly doing the recovery stuff. He’s just a great person to be around, and so I was really excited to see him have a crucial play in a crucial moment and get us on top.” 

Engram made significant progress Sunday toward fulfilling high expectations. The Broncos signed him to a two-year deal with $16.5 million guaranteed to be a versatile playmaker. It remains a work in progress.

But a little tough love from Payton on Sunday seemed to provide Engram with a needed spark. 

“I appreciate hard coaching. Honestly, I don’t like that any other way,” Engram said. “I like to be pushed hard. Sean will definitely let you know. Whenever he’s upset, he’ll let you know, even when he’s excited and happy, too.”

Broncos at Eagles grades: Denver offense wakes up during fourth-quarter rally

The Broncos scored the best win of the Sean Payton-Bo Nix era as Denver rallied to beat the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Here are the grades from the 21-17 win at Lincoln Financial Field:

Offense

For three quarters, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had Sean Payton and Bo Nix in a blender. The Broncos’ offense did nothing until Nix woke up and led Denver on three scoring drives and 18 points in the fourth quarter to shock Philadelphia. J.K. Dobbins had another solid game with over 80 yards rushing and the touchdown that got things rolling. Tight end Evan Engram scored the go-ahead touchdown for his first impact play as a Bronco.

Grade: B

Defense

Two big plays were all the Broncos defense really gave up: a 47-yard touchdown to Saquon Barkley and a 57-yard pass to Devonta Smith. And they’re too good to keep bottled up for four quarters. Nik Bonitto continues to plant his flag as one of the best defensive players in the league with 2.5 of the team’s six sacks. The secondary struggled from time to time but knocked away Jalen Hurts’ final pass to seal the upset win.

Grade: A

Special teams

Punter Jeremy Crawshaw was the team’s best player for the first three quarters, which is never a good sign. He pinned the Eagles inside the 20-yard line on five punts. While it was only 36 yards, Wil Lutz hitting the field goal to extend the lead to 21-17 was huge against an Eagles team that has blocked three kicks this year.

Grade: A

Coaching

Payton made an aggressive call, and it paid off for the Broncos. He passed on tying the game at 17 and went for two. Nix hit Troy Franklin to give the Broncos an 18-17 lead. Payton continues to show his confidence in Nix and puts the ball in his hand late to close the game. One negative is the ongoing problems with penalties. Denver had 12 for 121 yards.

Grade: B

This Golden burger joint was just named the best in Colorado

The website Only In Your State recently published a list of the best burgers in each state in the U.S., and the Colorado spot is reportedly a local’s favorite.

Bob’s Atomic Burgers took the top spot as the best burger restaurant in Colorado. Located in Golden, Only In Your State writes that the restaurant is a local favorite.

According to Only In Your State, the restaurant creates its burgers the “old-fashioned way,” with fresh-ground beef patties cooked to order (not premade or frozen). Bob’s Atomic Burgers also offers a “build-your-own”-style burger. Customers fill out a burger sleeve selecting their bun, cheese, and toppings. Options include everything from green chiles and grilled onions to fried egg, bacon, and specialty sauces.

Bob’s also plenty of options for non-meat eaters, including quinoa and black bear burgers. A specialty item is the White Bronco, which is topped with a hashbrown patty and blue cheese.

Check out the full list of Only In Your State’s best burgers in each state here.

Cheers to Sean Payton for staying true to his risk-taking self | Broncos cheers and boos

Cheers…

…. to Sean Payton for staying true to his gambling self. The coach who once called an onside kick in a Super Bowl is still game for taking a risk. His decision to go for two — with 7:36 left in regulation, when a chip-shot extra point would have tied the score — shoved all the pressure onto the Eagles’ sideline. Bo Nix then found Troy Franklin for the two-point conversion on a perfectly executed conversion. “We’ve been running that play for a few weeks,” Nix told the CBS crew. Ties are for job interviews. Payton’s Broncos went to Philly to win. 

Boo…

…. the fact Broncos Country can’t celebrate his birthday with Courtland Sutton, who turns 30 Friday when the team is in London. It took seven seasons, but the Broncos finally paired Mr. Reliable with a real-deal quarterback. Sutton’s connection with Bo Nix was apparent all Sunday with the pair hooking up for eight catches and 99 yards, none bigger than a 34-yard reception on the game-winning drive. Sutton has been nothing short of a Pro Bowl wide receiver this season, with 298 yards over the past three games. He looks Ring of Fame-y.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) runs down field against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (The Denver Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Cheers…

…. to Javonte Williams, a good dude who couldn’t get healthy as the primary running back in Denver. “Pookie” has found new life with the Dallas Cowboys, scoring his fifth rushing touchdown in Week 5 — one more than his season high with the Broncos. Williams entered a win against the New York Jets ranking fifth in the NFL in yards after contact among qualifying running backs. Breaking tackles was his calling card when the Broncos used a second-round pick on Williams in 2021. Likewise, Denver’s running game has found its new identity with 130 yards Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys’ Javonte Williams tries to get past New York Jets’ Tyler Baron during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Boo…

…. to the CBS broadcast crew’s late realization that Sunday’s game was a matchup of wits between Broncos coach Sean Payton and Eagles coordinator Vic Fangio. (Yes, it was a minor transgression in a fantastic broadcast from the network’s No. 1 crew.) It wasn’t until 2:34 remained that Tony Romo pointed out Payton and Fangio were in a dance fit for a playoff game. Payton tried to hire Fangio as the coordinator in Denver, so the matchup carried some extra weight. “This is a Sean Payton vs. Vic Fangio moment,” Romo said. One to remember.

—Paul Klee, The Denver Gazette

Broncos roar back from 14-point deficit to stun Eagles 21-17

PHILADELPHIA — Playing not far from where Rocky punched carcasses in a meat locker and ran up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it was appropriate Sean Payton ended up making a boxing reference Sunday.

The Broncos stormed back from a 14-point deficit early in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field to take the lead then exercised some demons from earlier this season when they lost two games on last-play field goals.

The result was a 21-17 win over the defending Super Bowl champions. It was clearly the best win in Payton’s three years as Denver’s head coach.

“Good win,’’ said Payton, whose Broncos moved to 3-2 while handing the 4-1 Eagles their first loss. ‘When you play somebody like that, you’re going to get punched and it’s not going to be easy. But we kept fighting and that’s what I was most encouraged about, just the fight, the grit.”

The game began with “Gonna Fly Now,’’ the theme from “Rocky,” blaring out of the stadium loudspeakers. And by early in the third quarter, the Eagles had taken a 17-3 lead on a 47-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to running back Saquon Barkley, who easily beat former Philadelphia linebacker Alex Singleton down the right sideline.

A knockout blow, right? Hardly.

Denver Broncos defensive end Sai’Vion Jones (95) pressures Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first half Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Lincoln Finanacial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

“One thing our team is not going to do is ever quit,’’ said outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who had 2.5 of Denver’s six sacks to give him seven this season. “We’ve got a lot of resilient guys in the locker room. … So hats off to everybody.”

The Broncos closed the deficit to 17-10 on a 2-yard run by J.K. Dobbins with 13:31 left in the game. Dobbins had another solid outing, carrying 20 times for 79 yards.

Then with 7:36 remaining, Bo Nix threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Engram. Payton put up his fingers to signal for a two-point conversion, and Nix found Troy Franklin wide open on the right side of the end zone for an 18-17 lead.

“I had two or three calls that I loved,’ Payton said. “Sometimes you use those calls inside the 5. I got to a call that I had a lot of confidence in and the guys executed. It was perfect. … Let’s keep being aggressive.”

After that, the Broncos took care of business on defense. Wil Lutz extended the lead to 21-17 on a 36-yard field goal with 1:11 left in the game, forcing Philadelphia to score a touchdown to win.

The Eagles got down to the Broncos’ 29 with 9 seconds left thanks to an 18-yard pass interference call on JL Skinner on fourth down and a 24-yard pass from Hurts to Jahan Dotson. But Hurts threw two incompletions, the last one a Hail Mary pass into the end zone that bounced around before falling harmlessly to the turf.

“Any win in this league is special first and foremost, but beating this team added a little extra,’’ said Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones. “They are the defending champs and it was just a team effort. We were down 17-3, so the way we fought back adds some special sauce to it.”

After the Broncos took the lead in the fourth quarter, Jones said he was thinking about leads lost early this season. The Broncos fell 29-28 in Week 2 at Indianapolis and 23-20 in Week 3 at the Los Angeles Chargers, both on last-play field goals.

“Losing a close game, I bet everybody was remembering that,’’ Jones said. “But we ain’t losing this one. If it’s close, we’re not losing it.”

The Broncos didn’t, which made for a happy trip after the game to London, where they will face the New York Jets next Sunday.

Nix played a key role in the comeback and the close out. After a first half in which he completed just 10 of 21 passes for 79 yards, he finished 24 of 39 for 242 yards and the touchdown throw to Engram.

“It’s about time we got a fourth-quarter close one,’’ Nix said. “I wasn’t happy how the first part (of the game) was going. Six straight punts (in the second and third quarters) is not what anybody wants. We handled it and we went out and won the game.”

Payton said of Nix he “can feel his leadership when it matters” and that “you can feel the confidence with his teammates.”

That includes Nix hooking up with Courtland Sutton. After Sutton had just two catches for 11 yards in the first half, he finished with eight grabs for 99 yards, including a 34-yard catch the play before Engram’s touchdown grab.

For much of the first three quarters, the game belonged to the Eagles. The teams traded field goals in the first quarter and Hurts threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert midway through the second quarter for a Philadelphia 10-3 lead. But after Barkley’s touchdown the Eagles never scored again.

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (1) leaps into the endzone for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba (24) tackles him during the second half Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Lincoln Finanacial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

“Obviously, at the end of the day, (the Broncos) had the lead in the fourth quarter and they made more plays and coached better than us and played better than us, and they came back and got a win,’’ said Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni.

The Broncos held the Eagles to just 45 yards rushing, with Barkley strangely getting just six carries for 30 yards. Denver put plenty of pressure on Hurts for much of the game, having eight quarterback hits, including the six sacks. Hurts completed 23 of 38 passes for 280 yards and the two touchdowns but said the Eagles had a “lack of execution” for much of the second half.

In the end, the Broncos pulled it out. So what was the key?

“Just keep fighting,’’ Engram said.

Deion Sanders believes blood clots have resurfaced as Colorado coach ditches shoe against TCU | Buffs notebook

FORT WORTH, Texas — Deion Sanders’ health issues have resurfaced again.

After recently mentioning after games and practices that his feet have been bothering him, Coach Prime was seen without a shoe on his left foot during Colorado’s 35-21 loss to TCU on Saturday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium. There’s a reason for that.

“I think I got more blood clots. Cat’s out of the bag,” Sanders said. “It don’t make sense. I’m hurting like crazy.”

Blood clots are an issue Sanders has been dealing with, dating back to his time at Jackson State, when he had to have two toes amputated as part of a surgery to remove blood clots in his lower legs during the 2022 football season. Since then, he has regularly received treatment to assist the blood flow in his legs, but the issue has popped back up recently.

Sanders was away from campus for the majority of the summer as he battled and beat bladder cancer before rejoining the team in July. Now, the 58-year-old has more to take care of with his health in the midst of his third season with the Buffaloes. 

“I got a doctor’s appointment on Monday to see what it is,” Coach Prime said. “That’s what’s going on. I’m not getting to my leg, that’s why my leg is throbbing.” 

Offense falters under Salter in second half again

For a second straight week, the CU offense has looked like a completely different unit coming out of halftime.

Last week against BYU, the Buffs scored just one touchdown in the final 45 minutes after jumping out to an early 14-0 lead on the back of back-to-back scoring drives to open the game. This week, it took until the second quarter to get on the scoreboard, but Pat Shurmur’s unit still managed to get touchdowns on its second and third series of the game.

Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) runs the ball against TCU in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

From the 6:22 mark of the second quarter on, though, it was a struggle as CU managed one scoring drive the rest of the game as quarterback Kaidon Salter finished with three interceptions in the loss, one of which came with the Buffs two yards away from the end zone in the closing moments of the first half.

“I wish I knew,” Sanders said of the continued offensive struggles.

Salter finished 18-for-29 for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions as the Buffs finished with 343 total yards of offense.

Up until the final few minutes of the game, the Buffs were out-gaining the Horned Frogs and were more efficient on third down. It just didn’t lean to an advantage in the one place it mattered: the scoreboard.

“It’s all on us to fix,” Salter said. “You can’t really get frustrated (because) we still have a season to finish.”

Defense still searching for big plays

Coach Prime still isn’t budging when it comes to his defense.

Last week, he wouldn’t admit that the CU defense “gave the team a chance to win” against BYU, and he feels similarly after the most recent loss to TCU. The defense didn’t allow an explosive TCU offense to score until late in the first half, but the Horned Frogs wound up scoring touchdowns on five of their final eight possessions, including the final two, to pull away for the win.

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) runs the ball as Colorado defensive lineman Keaten Wade (27) gives chase in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover was sacked just twice as he finished with five total touchdowns in his team’s comeback win that featured zero turnovers by him and the rest of the offense. 

“We gotta make the plays, man. If they’re scoring, that means we’re not making those plays,” Sanders said. “If they’re throwing touchdown passes, that means someone’s on the other end of that not making those plays. We have to make those plays if we want to be in the winner’s circle.”

Deion Sanders, Colorado can’t recreate magic at TCU with another blown lead

FORT WORTH, Texas — Everything changed over the course of six plays.

Despite leading 14-0 with less than three minutes to play in the first half, Colorado found itself tied with TCU just a minute and a half of game time later.

After the Horned Frogs got on the board for the first time with a quarterback sneak across the goal line, they were back in the end zone a few plays later after Kaidon Salter’s second of three interceptions on the night.

For the third time this season, the ‘would’ve, could’ve, should’ve’ Buffaloes lost a game in which they led by double digits in the first half as Deion Sanders’ team was denied victory in its first trip back to Amon G. Carter Stadium since the epic 2023 season opener thanks to a 35-21 defeat on a hot Saturday night in Texas.

“It’s one thing to lose, and it’s another thing to feel like you beat yourselves,” Coach Prime said postgame. “We were beaten in Houston. These other games, we had opportunities — ample opportunities to win the games.

“For some strange reason, we’re not preparing these young men and equipping them enough to get over that hump because we get to the same situational football where we could go win it or we could do what we’ve been consistently been doing. I told our team, ‘If we keep doing the same old thing we’ve always done, we’re gonna get the same old thing that we’ve always gotten.’”

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) and Cade Bennett (60) celebrate after Hoover ran the ball for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Well, the Buffs found a slightly different way to lose this time around. 

Despite the quick turn of events late in the first half, the game was not lost until late. After a controversial offensive pass interference call denied the TCU offense a big gain into the red zone on third down, the football gods quickly responded by having the ensuing punt hit the back of a CU player and fall calmly to the turf for a TCU player to pounce on it.

The Horned Frogs scored the game-winning touchdown three plays later.

“It was just a freshman mistake, man,” Sanders said. “(Freshman punt returner Quentin Gibson) has gotta run up and fair catch that and get all your guys out of the way. They gotta know that that ball is coming. We gotta do a better job teaching that and what he needs to do in that situation.” 

That’s been a consistent theme amidst the rough start to this season. 

It doesn’t really matter who the opponent has been or what different situations arise; the Buffs have seemed to falter in the biggest moments.

“For some strange reasons, we’re not preparing these young men and equipping them to get over the hump,” Sanders said. “I tell them every week, you’re gonna have a moment to change the outcome of this game, and you gotta maximize your moments. That’s the way you elevate to the next level. We’re not.”

It’s so frustrating because the flashes have been there just about every week. Aside from the Houston game, which Coach Prime is quick to admit his team was flat-out beaten in, there hasn’t been a game this season where he felt CU was not in a position to come out on top.

Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) dives into the end zone for a touchdown after getting past TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor, rear, in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Gone are the days when Sanders knew what he was getting out of a certain group of players — his sons and players like Travis Hunter that he had grown close with prior to arriving in Boulder. 

Now, in year three at CU, he’s still trying to figure out this group, but these Buffs — after yet another loss in a winnable game — are a part of an increasingly shrinking group of lonely teams at the bottom of the Big 12. 

“It’s frustrating because I’m seeing what you see,” Sanders said. “I feel like we were the better team. I felt like that last week (and) the week before. Yet and still, we’re in this situation.”