Studs and duds from Broncos’ 31-28 win over Bears

Once again, it was a tale of two halves for the Denver Broncos. This time, the Broncos completed an absolutely improbable comeback against the Chicago Bears for their first win of 2023 with a 31-28 victory.

Here are the studs and duds from the win.

Stud: Nik Bonitto

When the Broncos drafted Bonitto in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, they were hoping for days like today. Today was a culmination of over a season of work, as Bonitto finished with 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble which was returned for a touchdown and tied the game with 6:55 left.

Dud: 1st half defense

After making Tua Tagovailoa look like an All-Pro quarterback last week, it looked like Bears quarterback Justin Fields was going to do the same. Fields passed for three touchdowns in the first half, en route to a 21-7 halftime lead. It seemed like Denver would be embarrassed again.

Stud: Jaleel McLaughlin

After Broncos running back Javonte Williams was hurt with a hip injury, undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin stepped up. McLaughlin led the Denver rushing attack with 72 yards on seven carries, and added three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. The speedy running back is off to a great start with the Broncos.

Stud: Wil Lutz

Lutz made the Brandon McManus release fade a little more this week when he hit a 51-yard field goal to make it 31-28, their first lead since their opening-drive touchdown. Lutz’s clutch kick capped a 24-point run for Denver, and represented the final points of the game.

Stud: Fourth quarter defense

After giving up 70 points last week, there was no question the defense needed a big win. In the fourth quarter, they did what they needed to to help the Broncos win. First, Nik Bonitto forced a Justin Fields fumble, which was returned by Jonathon Cooper 35 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 28. Then, the Broncos defense forced a turnover on downs with 2:52 left in the game. This allowed the offense to go down the field and kick the go-ahead field goal. On the Bears’ last-ditch drive, maligned safety Kareem Jackson sealed the first victory of 2023 with an interception.

This win marks the first of the Sean Payton era, a much-needed victory for anxious fans. It took a 24-point comeback that was very nearly too little, too late, but a win’s a win. The Broncos look to take this momentum into their anticipated meeting against former head coach Nathaniel Hackett and the New York Jets in Week 5.

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