Russell Wilson’s late-game magic, which lifted the Broncos past Buffalo and Minnesota during their five-game win streak, died out at the 8-yard line at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday afternoon.
After two straight incompletions, Wilson and company faced a crucial third-and-goal for all the marbles. Wilson dropped back and was immediately pressured by edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Wilson managed to slip past Greenard and fire off a throw to tight end Lucas Krull in the end zone, where Houston safety Jimmie Ward jumped and recorded the game-sealing interception.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows all too well that the margin for error is thin when fighting for a playoff spot.