When the Broncos held a 21-3 lead in the second quarter against the Washington Commanders, it appeared head coach Sean Payton had exorcized the offensive demons that plagued them in 2022.
Quarterback Russell Wilson was throwing the ball efficiently, completing 6 for 8 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. looked like the second coming of Randy Moss, catching a pair of deep balls, including a 60-yard touchdown. And the Broncos had three touchdowns in three possessions.
Then, it all fell apart following Wilson’s second-quarter fumble, and the engine that kept Denver’s offense moving stopped.