Initial thoughts from 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 going early, dialing up four touches in the first quarter … for a grand total of zero yards. Throw in Harvey’s ill-advised decision to field a kickoff along the sideline — resulting in the Broncos starting a drive at their 6-yard line after he stepped out of bounds — and it’s no surprise he didn’t touch the ball again for two quarters. Making matters even worse? Skattebo, the Giants rookie drafted 45 picks after Harvey last spring, had eight touches for 52 yards and a touchdown by halftime.
2. Bolles’ moment denied: We’ll be telling 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 leaked out to the left side and was all alone. All Nix needed to do was loft the ball to his left tackle. Instead, Nix tried to zip it through two defenders, but the ball was tipped and Bolles could only flail as it fell helplessly to the turf. Two plays later, Denver walked away with zero points.
3. Russ Bowl denied … again: Russell Wilson returned to Denver for a second time since his ignominious departure in the winter of 2024. And, for a second time since his ignominious departure, he watched the entire game from the opposing sideline. Sure, there were moments of action. Like when he stepped out onto the field in the third quarter to warm up rookie QB Jaxson Dart before the Giants’ third touchdown drive of the game. Otherwise, those high knees stayed stuck in place. And this time, unlike last year with the Steelers, his team walked away losers.
4. Strong finish: Whose idea was it to play the week after a trip to London? Oh yeah, the Broncos head coach. It appears Mr. Payton may know something we don’t. Because what his team delivered was a comeback for the ages. The Giants led 26-8 with a little more than 10 minutes to go. But the Broncos kept plugging. Justin Strnad picked off Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart. Bo Nix ran in two touchdowns, the last from 18 yards out with Garett Bolles leading the way. And when the Broncos looked done — again — with 33 seconds left and the ball at 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. One quarter. 33 points. And a comeback for the ages.
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