Bonitto strip sack seals Broncos win over Panthers

Nik Bonitto forced a fumble from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young with less than 90 seconds remaining, helping the Denver Broncos defeat the Panthers 26-21 at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. The turnover occurred at the Denver 44-yard line and set up the final score of the game.

Bo Nix sealed the victory with a one-yard touchdown run three plays after Bonitto's recovery. The win extended Denver's streak of consecutive one-score victories to 16 games. This marks a new NFL record, surpassing the 15-game streak set by the Indianapolis Colts in 2008 and 2009. The streak began earlier last season following a fourth-quarter scoring surge against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz noted the team's consistent performance in close contests. "I keep repeating myself," Meinerz said. "But it's part of our fabric. That's what we do here." Denver has won its last 16 games by one possession or less, including victories over the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars this season.

Safety Devon Key recorded his first career interception in the fourth quarter, which shifted momentum in Denver's favor. Key emphasized the team's preparedness for tight finishes. "We've been in those games multiple times," Key said. "We just know what to expect. I wouldn't say it's luck. It's hard to win in this league.. It takes everyone in the building to do what we do."

The coaching staff relied on game management director Evan Rothstein to challenge a late call. Officials initially ruled a Bryce Young pass incomplete in the end zone, stopping the clock. Rothstein encouraged head coach Sean Payton to throw the challenge flag after determining the ball had not hit the ground. The successful challenge allowed the drive to continue, leading to the Bonitto takeaway.

The Broncos finished the game with a 7-2 record. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss suffered concussions during the contest. The team was already missing safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones due to ankle and hamstring injuries, respectively. The upcoming bye week provides time for the injured players to recover before the Broncos host the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22.