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[Denver Broncos]

Broncos set to honor Demaryius Thomas, Super Bowl 50 team

Demaryius Thomas is one of the greatest wide receivers in Denver Broncos history.

DT is one of the greatest Broncos.

Today, the receiver with the infectious smile and positive attitude, not to mention a work ethic and skillset that made him so great, will get his rightful place in the Broncos Ring of Fame. On top of that, the franchise will also celebrate the Super Bowl 50 winning team. According to Broncos head coach Sean Payton on Friday, it will be the biggest alumni weekend in the history of the franchise.

This goes without saying, but it’s going to be an emotional celebration today at Mile High.

As Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton said this week to the local media when asked about DT:

“We don’t have enough time to talk about all that. All I can say is … actually, ‘Coop’ (OLB Jonathon Cooper) started asking me about it, and like I told you, I didn’t have enough time. He asked me about it, and I started to tell him, and I’m in the middle of the beginning part of my speech about it, and the next period started, so I didn’t get to finish.

“You guys know that ‘DT’ (former Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas) means the world to me. I have been waiting for this day of him getting his recognition from this organization because of all the things he has done for the Broncos organization. I know this guy loved Denver, he loved Broncos Country, and he loved being able to call this place home for the eight seasons he was able to be here. The small amount of time I was able to spend with him was some of the most impactful time that I have had being a Denver Bronco.

“I know if I didn’t have the guidance of him and (former Broncos receiver) Emmanuel (Sanders) in the room for me as a young rookie, I don’t think I’m able to build the character and build the player that I became without the guidance. I think so highly of ‘DT’. I can talk all day about him. I didn’t get to spend a whole bunch of time with him, but the time I did, he was so impactful that I can sit here all day and talk about the man that he was. Beyond the football player, just the man that he was. He carried himself in such a way that you can only aspire to be able to be talked about in the likes that he is talked about as a person.”

The focal point is, rightfully, on Thomas. It’s a celebration of what he meant to the organization, but also his life. DT tragically lost his life in December 2021 at the age of 33. His family will take part in the celebration, but it’ll no doubt feel like something is missing.

That smile. That attitude. His spirit.

In early August in 2018 Demaryius Thomas and I sat on the grass on the Broncos practice field for almost two hours. We talked about life, what we were reading, the new diet he was trying in an effort to keep his body, which was breaking down, on the football field. Toward the end…

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 17, 2025

“I think it was the consistency of how he came to work every day,” Sutton said to the media. “I have this little thing that I do for some of the guys in the building. It started off as a rookie duty that he gave me. He was like, ‘Hey, I’ve been doing this, but I’m going to pass it to you.’ As a rookie, he passed the donut tradition down to me. It was one of those things that it felt like it was a rookie thing. He said, ‘Hey, you’re going to go to this place, call this place, and tell them that you want to get (this order). They are going to know exactly what it is. Go pick them up, bring them up here, and everyone will love it.’ I said, ‘All right, cool.’

“When he left, I said that I would keep it going. It was something that I saw brought a lot of joy to people in the building. It was like a small tribute to him. Then, when he passed, it felt like it was one of those things that — every Saturday I get the chance to call in and order donuts, it’s a small wink. (It’s like) He’s always still around. I want him to be able to — I don’t think the guys even know where that came from. Everyone thinks, ‘the donuts are here,’ and they get so excited. They don’t really know where that originated from.

“It’s one of those things that, for myself, and for the people who got to spend time with him and got to know where the donuts came from, it’s a reminder that he gets to still be here. He may not be here physically, but he had such a lasting impact that he is not going anywhere from this organization any time soon. I’m happy he’s going to get his recognition from this organization (by) getting inducted into the Ring of (Fame).”

Added Broncos quarterback Bo Nix:

“I remember with (Tim) Tebow and ‘D.T.’ with that game-winner. That’s one of the things I remember. My dad was just leaving Georgia Tech when ‘D.T.’ got there, so I’m pretty sure my dad was part of the regime that helped recruit him. Always thought he was a really good football player. Even playing in the triple option at Georgia Tech, he had found a way to be a good receiver. That’s impressive itself. Great receiver for this organization, a great guy, and I will never forget his walk-off touchdown. It was pretty cool in overtime.”

But this is also a celebration of that Super Bowl 50 team. One of the best defenses and teams in franchise history. One of the best defenses in NFL history. And the fact that it’s been 10 years is crazy.

But Peyton Freakin’ Manning. DeMarcus Ware. Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., Darian Stewart, and T.J. Ward, the No Fly Zone. Emmanuel Sanders. Gary Kubiak. Hopefully, Wade Phillips.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said this week. “I think when you have those great teams with that great lineage come and still support, it means a lot. I know the stadium will be electric, especially celebrating them, and also celebrating us. They will bring a lot of good juju for the game. It will be awesome.”

Added Payton, on that team:

“It’s unusual to finish minus in the point differential and win a Super Bowl. Yet when you go back, there were a lot of things I think … I wasn’t here, but ‘Kubs’ (former head coach Gary Kubiak) did a great job and probably was the right guy for a difficult job, obviously. And yet I was there working for CBS as an in-game (analyst) … Obviously, the last thing you want is to see your division win a Super Bowl, so I had a chance to see Atlanta and Carolina both lose them. I was really pulling hard for Denver. It was an amazing defensive performance against a good Carolina team.”

Now the fans, the organization, and the current team get to pay tribute and honor one of the greatest players in franchise history, as well as celebrate a special team.

“My understanding is there’ll be more alumni back for this game than in any other game in the history (of the organization),” Payton said to the media on Friday. “Not only (do) you have the Super Bowl (50) champion team, but a player as significant as Demaryius. I’m anxious to meet his family and just see those former players. I think it’s good for our players to see them and be around them.

“It’s one thing I know (Owner) Carrie (Walton Penner) and (Owner and CEO) Greg (Penner), it’s so important to them. Today I previewed his career, then I previewed in the meeting the team. When you really go through that team, game-by-game, it’s fascinating the season they had. Sutton spoke on him a little bit yesterday after practice was up because Courtland spent a year with him. That’s where we’re at.”

Added Sutton:

“It will be cool. I think we had a tribute to them — they were here recently. Aqib came into practice one of the days. It may have been the defense — the ‘No Fly Zone.’ It will be really cool. I got to share the locker room with a few of those guys, and (defensive quality control coach) Todd (Davis) being one of those guys, I get to see him every day. Being able to be one of those guys — myself and (Garett) Bolles being two of the only guys that actually got to share the locker room with a lot of those guys that were still on the team. I have so much respect for them.

“Being somebody that this is my eighth year in the league and understanding how hard it is to win in this league, understand how hard it is to make it to a Super Bowl, and not just make it to the Super Bowl, but to win a Super Bowl. Coach (senior defensive assistant Joe) Vitt always says that if you win a Super Bowl, you will walk forever with those guys in the locker room. I think it’s really cool to see the brotherhood those guys have. I think a lot of them still keep in touch to this day, from what I understand. It’s one of those things that I aspire to be able to have, and we are working towards it every day to be able to do that.

“It will be fun to be able to play in front of them. I’m excited to watch the defense do their thing because I know that defense was highly talked about. (They were) very talented and highly accoladed. They had a lot of success. It will be cool to watch our defense go out there and perform in front of them, and then ultimately as a team, go out there and go chase a win. I’m looking forward to it at Empower Field at Mile High.”

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...-to-honor-demaryius-thomas-super-bowl-50-team

 

[Denver Broncos]

Winners and losers from the Broncos 33-32 victory over the Giants

Holy shit.

The Broncos were down 26-8 with 6 minutes left, and I was going to rant in here about how much this team sucked today. A lifeless effort, dumb penalties, defensive lapses, and the Giants simply taking it to them. The Broncos were about to be blown out at home by a 2-4 Giants team starting a rookie quarterback. Everything sucked, and I was miserable (check the MHR Twitter to see my rollercoaster of emotions during that one).

Then something clicked. Bo Nix turned into Tim Tebow, the magic of Demaryius Thomas filled the stadium, and somehow, the Denver Broncos would score 33 points in the 4th quarter and drive down the field to kick the game-winning field goal in the final seconds of the game.

It was Mile High Magic at its finest.

Now, for this exercise, I need to come up with some winners and losers from that wacky game. We are going to have some repeat winners and losers in this one as I continue to process what the hell just happened. With all that said, here are the winners and losers for the Broncos from this crazy and wild comeback victory. Feel free to call me out if I missed anything.

WINNER – Bo ‘Tim Tebow’ Nix​

If you look at his stat line, you probably think Bo Nix had a great game, and he did in the end, but it was rough for three quarters. Missed throws, he wasn’t getting help from his pass catchers, and some questionable play-calling had Nix and the Broncos offense looking lifeless.

Then the 4th quarter started, and Bo Nix came alive.

BO NIX FOR THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/jC1e0El6Kn

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 19, 2025

Bo Nix had 4 4th quarter touchdowns. 2 through the air to Troy Franklin and RJ Harvey, and 2 on the ground, including a go-ahead scramble late in the 4th quarter. He would also lead the Broncos down the field with 30-ish seconds on the clock with no timeouts and get the Broncos into easy game-winning field goal range.

Another incredible performance by Bo Nix, who leads yet another wild and crazy 4th quarter comeback. We will talk more about his first 3 quarters later.

WINNER – LB Justin Strnad​

This comeback wouldn’t have even started if it were not for Justin Strnad. The longtime Broncos special teams ace has turned himself into a valuable member of this defense and came up with what might have been one of the bigger plays the defense has made all season.

On a 3rd down play, late in the 4th quarter, Strnad jumps in front of a Jaxson Dart pass for a game-changing interception. A play that would fuel the Denver Broncos’ crazy comeback.

JUSTIN STRNAD INT!!pic.twitter.com/I2NE60Slud

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 19, 2025

Strnad has 3.5 sacks on the year and has been a valuable member of this defense this season. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said earlier in the week that they will have packages for him, even with Dre Greenlaw back, and he took advantage of those snaps today.

WINNER – WR Courtland Sutton​

The Denver Broncos honored the late and great Demaryius Thomas today, and Courtland Sutton fittingly came up big for the team in this one. He would make a big-time sideline catch with seconds left in the game to set the Broncos up in manageable field goal range for kicker Wil Lutz to kick the game-winner.

On a day when the Broncos honored the late great Demaryius Thomas, Courtland Sutton came up big for the Broncos.

DT would be proudpic.twitter.com/Oy1gkGGlr0

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 20, 2025

Sutton played with DT early in his career, and the Broncos’ great meant a lot to him, which he has spoken about a lot in the past, so it was fitting that he would come up big for the team on the day they honored DT. Great effort, and Sutton continues to come up clutch for the Broncos when they need him the most.

WINNER – WR Marvin Mims Jr.​

What he did might be overlooked, and frankly, the details are cloudy for me, but Mims came up with multiple big receptions for the Broncos. Notably, the one that set the offense up in field goal range, albeit a long one, before Nix would hit Sutton to set up the game-winner.

He finished the game with 6 receptions for 85 yards, and the Broncos likely would not have won this game without his efforts.

(now for the bad)

Broncos 1st through 3rd quarter offense – LOSER​

What a lifeless effort. Nix looked flustered, there were drops, no real run game, and they were being shut out through 3 quarters by the 2-4 Giants at home.

It looked awful. The coaching, play-calling, execution, pass game, run game, mistakes/penalties, blocking…it all sucked.

The 33-point 4th quarter and the win were amazing, but the first three quarters cannot be ignored. They played like absolute shit. This offense needs to put a complete game together and not put themselves into a position where they need a miracle of a comeback to win a game they were heavily favored in.

I won’t hammer them too hard because of the comeback and win, but man, get your shit together.

Broncos Defense – LOSER​

What a stinker.

Rookie Jaxson Dart, in his 4th career start, sliced and diced the Broncos’ defense in this one. He finished the game with 283 yards passing and 4 total touchdowns. On top of that, they gave up a long touchdown on a blown coverage to a tight end, let Tyrone Tracy run untouched for a long touchdown, and had a deflected pass land right in the hands of a Giants tight end for another long touchdown.

On top of that, after the Broncos came back and took the lead late, they allowed the Giants to drive back down the field and take the lead with 30-ish seconds left. They allowed a huge 4th down conversion, dropped multiple INTs on the final drive, and committed costly penalties throughout.

The top-ranked pass-rushing unit was also held to just 2 sacks in this one.

I expected better from this unit, and the Broncos won in spite of the defense in this one(outside of the Strnad INT).

LOSER – Penalties​

This has become an unfortunate theme for the Broncos. While some were questionable, and it felt like the refs were not calling anything on the Giants, this is still a troubling trend for the Broncos.

12 accepted penalties for 127 yards.

You’re going to lose a lot of games with a penalty output like that. Sure, they somehow won this one, but if they want success throughout the season, they seriously need to clean up the sloppy play.

WINNER – FIRST PLACE IN THE AFC WEST​

1ST PLACE DENVER BRONCOS pic.twitter.com/0pKg1t956M

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 19, 2025

Other notable winners and losers​

• WINNER – TE Evan Engram: The Broncos ‘Joker’ came up big late in this game and finished the day with 5 receptions for 42 yards
• WINNER – EDGE Que Robinson: The rookie edge rusher played a lot today and played well, I thought. Had multiple stops and finished the game with a half sack
• LOSER – Refs: You suck.
• WINNER – K Wil Lutz: Yet another clutch kick by the Broncos kicker
• WINNER – WR Troy Franklin: Both teams had a deflection touchdown in this one, but Franklin’s sparked the Broncos’ comeback.
• WINNER – RB RJ Harvey: Did not have a great game, but scored one of the Broncos’ 4 fourth-quarter touchdowns.
• WINNER – RB JK Dobbins: Somehow finished the game with 81 yards rushing and averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Most of this came on one big chunk run, but still, better than I thought.
• WINNER – P Jeremy Crawshaw: Averaged 50.5 yards per punt
• LOSER – My Health and Well-being: These crazy endings are not good for me

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/denv...rs-and-losers-broncos-giants-dart-bonitto-nix