Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats
An Unforgettable Sunday Night Football Battle
The energy was electric at Northwest Stadium as the Denver Broncos traveled to face the Washington Commanders in a game that fans will be talking about for years. This wasn’t just another Sunday night matchup; it was a high-stakes chess match between two legendary franchises. The Broncos came into the game as heavy favorites, but the Commanders showed the heart of a lion, pushing the game into a dramatic overtime period. Watching these athletes compete at such a high level reminds us why we love the NFL.
If you are looking for the Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats, you have come to the right place. We are diving deep into every completion, every hard-hitting tackle, and every touchdown that defined this Week 13 thriller. From Bo Nix’s composure under pressure to Marcus Mariota’s gutsy veteran leadership, there were amazing storylines everywhere you looked. Let’s break down exactly how this 27-26 victory for Denver unfolded on the stat sheet.
Bo Nix Shows His Franchise Potential
Bo Nix continues to prove that he is the future of the Denver Broncos. In this high-pressure road environment, the young quarterback completed 29 of his 45 passes for a staggering 321 yards. While he did throw one interception to the legendary Bobby Wagner, his ability to bounce back was incredible. His 11-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton while falling to the ground was easily one of the best throws of the 2025 season.
The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats highlight Nix’s efficiency in the middle of the field. He consistently found his tight ends and receivers in tight windows, moving the chains when it mattered most. His performance in overtime was particularly impressive, leading a quick scoring drive that ultimately sealed the win. This game was a massive step forward in his development as a premier NFL starter.
Marcus Mariota’s Gutsy Performance for Washington
Even though the Commanders fell just short, Marcus Mariota played a game for the ages. Stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels, Mariota set a career-high with 50 pass attempts. He finished with 294 passing yards and two touchdowns, showing that he still has plenty of magic left in his arm. His ability to extend plays with his legs added a dynamic layer to the Washington offense that kept the Broncos’ defense on their heels.
When you look at the Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats, you see Mariota’s impact beyond just passing. He rushed for 55 yards on 10 carries, providing crucial first downs during an 18-play drive at the end of regulation. It was a vintage performance that almost resulted in a massive upset. Washington fans should be incredibly proud of the fight their veteran quarterback showed in this prime-time spotlight.
Detailed Box Score: Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats
To truly understand the flow of the game, we need to look at the hard numbers. Both teams moved the ball effectively, with Washington actually outgaining Denver in total net yards (419 to 402). The following table provides a comprehensive look at the key statistical leaders from this overtime epic.
Key Match Statistics
| Category | Denver Broncos | Washington Commanders |
| Passing Leader | Bo Nix (321 Yds) | Marcus Mariota (294 Yds) |
| Rushing Leader | RJ Harvey (35 Yds, 2 TD) | Marcus Mariota (55 Yds) |
| Receiving Leader | Evan Engram (79 Yds) | Zach Ertz (106 Yds) |
| Total First Downs | 22 | 30 |
| Total Net Yards | 402 | 419 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 32:13 | 35:00 |
The Rise of RJ Harvey in the Backfield
One of the brightest spots for the Broncos was rookie running back RJ Harvey. While the total yardage might seem modest at 35 yards on 13 carries, his impact in the red zone was the difference-maker. Harvey found the end zone twice, including the powerful 5-yard touchdown run in overtime that put Denver ahead for good. He is quickly becoming a “touchdown machine” for this offense.
The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats show that Denver struggled to run the ball consistently against a stout Washington front, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry. However, Harvey’s vision and power allowed him to convert when the field shrank. For a rookie to perform that well on Sunday Night Football says a lot about his maturity and the coaching staff’s trust in him.
Terry McLaurin’s Explosive Return
After missing three games due to injury, “Scary Terry” McLaurin returned to the lineup and immediately made his presence felt. He caught seven passes for 96 yards and a clutch touchdown in overtime. His route running was elite, as he consistently gained separation against Patrick Surtain II, which is no easy feat. Having McLaurin back transformed the Washington offense into a much more dangerous unit.
Looking at the Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats, it’s clear that McLaurin is the engine of this receiving corps. His 3-yard touchdown catch in the final moments of overtime gave Washington a chance to win the game with a two-point conversion. Even though the conversion failed, McLaurin’s performance proved he is still one of the premier wideouts in the league.
Zach Ertz Rewrites the Record Books
It was a historic night for veteran tight end Zach Ertz. He was Marcus Mariota’s favorite target, hauling in 10 receptions for a game-high 106 yards. During this performance, Ertz passed the legendary Shannon Sharpe for fifth on the all-time receptions list for tight ends. It is truly special to witness a future Hall of Famer continue to produce at such a high level late in his career.
The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats highlight that Ertz was the only player to surpass 100 receiving yards in this contest. He was the safety valve that Mariota needed, consistently finding the soft spots in Denver’s zone defense. Whether it was a third-down conversion or a seam route, Ertz was reliable as ever, proving that age is just a number when you have his level of skill.
Defensive Standouts: Wagner and Singleton
While the offenses put up plenty of yards, the defenders had their moments of brilliance too. Bobby Wagner showed why he is a perennial All-Pro by recording eight tackles and a crucial interception of Bo Nix. On the other side, Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton made an emotional return to the field after a health scare. He recorded a massive pass breakup late in the fourth quarter that likely saved the game for Denver.
The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats for the defense tell a story of “bend but don’t break.” Denver’s defense held Washington to field goals on several long drives, which kept the game within reach. The battle in the trenches was fierce, with Washington’s Daron Payne and Denver’s Zach Allen consistently disrupting the pocket. It was a physical, old-school defensive struggle wrapped in a modern offensive package.
Specialized Special Teams Impact
In a one-point game, every yard on special teams matters. Denver’s Wil Lutz was perfect on the night, knocking through two 33-yard field goals that provided the early cushion for the Broncos. Washington’s Jake Moody, playing in his first game for the team, was also impressive. He hit a pressure-packed 32-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to send the game into the extra period.
The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats for special teams often get overlooked, but they were vital here. Marvin Mims Jr. provided great field position for Denver with his return abilities, while Washington’s punting unit pinned the Broncos deep multiple times. In a game decided by the thinnest of margins, the discipline and execution of the “third phase” of the game were absolutely paramount to the outcome.
The Deciding Two-Point Conversion
The climax of the game came down to a single play in overtime. After Terry McLaurin’s touchdown brought the Commanders within one point, head coach Dan Quinn decided to go for the win rather than the tie. It was a bold, aggressive move that players love. Marcus Mariota dropped back and attempted a pass to Jeremy McNichols, but Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto made the play of the game.
Bonitto leaped into the air and batted the ball down, ending the game right then and there. The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats will record this as a failed conversion, but for Denver, it was a season-defining defensive stop. It showed the resilience of the Broncos’ defense, which had been on the field for over 35 minutes. They dug deep when it mattered most to secure the victory.
What This Result Means for the Playoffs
With this win, the Denver Broncos improved to 10-2, further solidifying their lead in the AFC West. They are looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender with a balanced offense and a playmaking defense. For the Washington Commanders, the loss was heartbreaking, dropping them further in the NFC East standings. However, the way they played against an elite opponent suggests they are much better than their record indicates.
If you study the Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats from this season, you can see both teams are heading in interesting directions. Denver has found their quarterback in Bo Nix, and Washington has a core of resilient veterans and exciting young talent like Treylon Burks. This game served as a benchmark for both programs as they look toward the future of the 2026 season and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who had the most receiving yards in the Broncos vs Commanders game?
Zach Ertz led all players with 106 receiving yards on 10 catches. He was a dominant force for the Washington Commanders throughout the night.
2. How many touchdowns did Bo Nix throw against Washington?
Bo Nix threw one touchdown pass, an 11-yard strike to Courtland Sutton. However, his 321 passing yards were instrumental in moving the Broncos down the field.
3. Did Terry McLaurin score in his return game?
Yes! Terry McLaurin caught a 3-yard touchdown pass in overtime, capping off a brilliant 96-yard performance in his first game back from injury.
4. What was the final score of the Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match?
The Denver Broncos won the game 27-26 in a thrilling overtime finish. The game ended when Washington failed a two-point conversion attempt.
5. How did the Broncos win the game in overtime?
Denver won after rookie RJ Harvey scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive of overtime, followed by a defensive stop on Washington’s subsequent two-point try.
6. Who intercepted Bo Nix during the game?
The legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner intercepted Bo Nix early in the fourth quarter, which set up a crucial field goal for the Commanders.
Conclusion: A Classic for the Ages
The Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders match player stats paint a picture of a game where both teams gave everything they had. It was a night of milestones, heroic returns, and tactical brilliance. Whether you are a fan of the Orange and Blue or the Burgundy and Gold, you have to appreciate the level of competition displayed on that field. Denver’s ability to win close games is becoming their trademark, while Washington’s grit proves they are a team on the rise.
Football is a game of inches, and this match proved it once again. From a batted ball at the goal line to a veteran tight end climbing the record books, every moment was packed with significance. We hope this detailed breakdown helped you relive the action and understand the impact of every key player.
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