Broncos return two interceptions for touchdowns in win over Browns

Denver Broncos defense celebrates in the end zone after Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) intercepted a Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) pass and ran it back for a touchdown during the second quarter Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
Christian Murdock
The Broncos had a pick-six party in their dramatic home win over the Browns.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto and cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian both returned interceptions for touchdowns Monday in a 41-32 victory at Empower Field.
“Obviously, we know we didn’t play our best,” Bonitto said in the postgame locker room. “But just being able to find a way in that fourth quarter. To keep getting takeaways and keep getting stops, being able to come through with a win was big.”
Late in the first half, leading 14-10, the Broncos defended a fresh set of downs from inside their own 30-yard line. Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston received an empty shotgun snap and danced in the pocket as it started to break down. Defensive end Zach Allen barreled into Winston as he released the football toward the far sideline.
Bonitto dropped into coverage on the play, read Winston’s eyes, and jumped the pass intended for tight end Jordan Akins. Bonitto caught the interception in stride. He wasn’t touched on a long scamper toward the end zone.
“I’ve been trying to tell people that I played safety back in the day,” Bonitto said. “I’m just trying to do my job. When I saw a chance to go break on the ball, I kind of just went and did that.”
It happened again in the fourth quarter with McMillian entering the spotlight.
The Broncos clung to a 34-32 lead after the two-minute warning with Cleveland driving downfield. Winston threw a first-down pass intended for wide receiver Elijah Moore. McMillian jumped the out route, intercepted the pass and landed on his back. The Browns failed to touch him down by contact.
That’s when McMillian rose to his feet and ran 44 yards into the end zone.
“I just kept telling guys: ‘I’m going to make a play.’ I just felt it all game,” McMillian said in the postgame. “I had great eyes on the play and drove on the ball. … I just got up. I thought I was out of bounds. I didn’t hear no whistle. So, I just got up and ran and kept running to the end zone.”
It was a bend-but-don’t-break performance from the Broncos’ defense.
Their secondary got torched with Winston throwing for 497 yards (on 34 of 58 completions) with four passing touchdowns. Denver was also down two starters in the secondary. Cornerback Riley Moss was inactive with a knee injury. Safety Brandon Jones exited in the first half with a groin injury and did not return.
Yet the Broncos defense made just enough plays to secure a victory. Inside linebacker Cody Barton intercepted Winston a third time with the clock winding down. The Broncos (8-5) now enter their bye week.
“I’m so (darn) proud of our team right now,” safety P.J. Locke said in the postgame locker room.