Broncos face Colts again after Jonathan Taylor’s miscue perhaps saved 2024 season
ENGLEWOOD – The Broncos are expecting no more gifts Sunday from Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor. The one they got from him last December might have saved their season.
With the Broncos down 13-7 at home to the Colts in Week 15 on Dec. 15, 2024, Taylor stunned the crowd when he galloped into the end zone early in the third quarter for an apparent 41-yard touchdown run. It looked then as if an extra point would give Indianapolis a 20-7 lead and put Denver’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.
But the replay booth reviewed the call, as it does all touchdowns, and it was determined Taylor had dropped the ball in a premature celebration just before crossing the goal line, and it had rolled out of the side of the end zone. That meant it was a touchback, and the Broncos took over at their 20.
Given new life, the Broncos went on to outscore the Colts 24-0 the rest of the game to win 31-13. They eventually went to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 with a 10-7 record, but they would not have made it had they lost that game, and other results played out the same.
“It helped us out a lot for sure,’’ Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said after Thursday’s practice at Broncos Park. “Who knows what happens in that game if that doesn’t happen? I was happy he did it.”
When the Broncos and Colts meet again Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Denver guard Quinn Meinerz is pretty sure there won’t be a repeat of such a play by Taylor.
“I know he’ll never let that happen again,’’ Meinerz said.
Taylor was asked about the play Thursday in Indianapolis. He insisted it is not on his mind entering Sunday’s game. He said he doesn’t “need other things to motivate” him and that he’s “intrinsically motivated.”
Broncos defensive end Zach Allen said he wouldn’t be surprised, though, if the Colts use that play as motivation. He remains surprised at what unfolded in that pivotal game last December.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been a part of something like that,” Allen said. “But you’ve definitely seen it a couple of times just watching games and stuff. If that touchdown went through, the game might be totally different. But I have lot of respect for Jonathan Taylor.’’
Taylor, who rushed for 1,431 yards last season and made the Pro Bowl, had 22 carries for 107 yards in that game. But after that miscue, he wasn’t the same player, carrying seven times for just 14 yards.
“That was definitely a big turning point in the game for us and allowed us to not have to dig ourselves out of a too big of a hole,’’ Meinerz said.
The Broncos took a 17-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, and then came the other play of the game. With just under 13 minutes left, Bonitto caught wind of wide receiver Adonai Mitchell taking a pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson on the right side and looking to throw the ball back to Richardson.
Bonitto caught the ball in the middle of the field. He then sprinted 50 yards into the end zone on a fumble recovery for a 24-13 Denver lead.
“I was able to read it and diagnose it and break on the ball,’’ Bonitto said
When Bonitto scored, it touched off a wild celebration in the end zone. Bonitto grabbed his crotch during it, which led to an $8,791 fine by the NFL for making an obscene gesture.
“I hated it personally,’’ Bonitto said of the fine. “But I know the fans loved the celebration from the pictures and stuff. That part was pretty awesome. … It was 100% (worth being fined).”
Bonitto now expects Sunday’s game to be a big challenge. While the Broncos struggled at home to beat lowly Tennessee 20-12 in Week 1, the Colts are coming off a resounding 33-8 home win over Miami.
“They’re real tough,’’ Bonitto said. “Obviously, (Taylor) is one of the better backs in our league. They’ve got good weapons on the outside (with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie tight end Tyler Warren) and (quarterback) Daniel Jones is playing with real confidence.”
Against Miami, Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown while running for two scores. On defense, the Colts held the Dolphins to just 211 total yards and they didn’t score until after being down 30-0.
“Really good defense,’’ Meinerz said. “They brought in a really good defensive coordinator (in veteran good coach Lou Anarumo) that brings in a lot of different looks.”
Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said the Colts are “feeling good” after their big win but the Broncos want to make sure “it’s not a peaceful night for them Sunday.” However, Cooper isn’t expecting they will get the same help they did last year from Taylor’s miscue.
“We’re not going to rely or hope on that happening again this year,’’ he said.
