Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
It was not pretty, but the Denver Broncos hacked out a come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Rams, 30-26, at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday.
Bo Nix scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard sneak, helping the Broncos improve to 2-1. Nix went 17-of-34 for 186 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also made big plays in the fourth quarter, including a 39-yard pass to Pat Bryant.
The second-year quarterback was impressive in the down-to-the-wire affair, but coach Sean Payton was not too satisfied with their performance, as reported by The Athletic's Nick Kosmider.
“The moments aren't too big, and he (Nix) moves and escapes and makes plays, but it leads us to the first part of the jigsaw, which is that we have to find a way to play better earlier,” said Payton.
The Broncos had to climb out of a 16-point hole in the first half.
Payton must have lit a fire under them in the locker room at the break, as they scored 30 points in the second half.
Talanoa Hufanga also came up big in crunch time, intercepting Matthew Stafford for a 66-yard return, which gave Denver the lead, 23-19, with 4:49 left in the fourth quarter.
Payton's comments on Wednesday proved to be ominous.
“We talk about finishing. One of the things, especially at home is—and we talked about it at the start of the season—playing better early. I think the focus is more on the front end. I think if you're playing with a lead, obviously you have that balance. If you're playing within a touchdown, you still have to have that balance,” said the one-time champion coach, as quoted by the Broncos.
Denver will face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4.