Fortune Favors the Broncos: Winning Streak Reaches Nine with Officials' Help

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The Denver Broncos continued their remarkable winning streak, extending it to nine games with a thrilling 27-26 overtime victory over the Washington Commanders. However, the Broncos received significant assistance from the officials in the final minutes of the game. In the fourth quarter, Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota appeared to scramble for 7 yards, but a 15-yard tripping penalty was not called, despite edge rusher Dondrea Tillman tripping him. This mistake gave Washington third-and-21 from their 25-yard line, forcing them to punt. Later, Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin was interfered with by Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II, but no flag was thrown. However, McLaurin was incorrectly flagged for a phantom false start on the next play, moving the ball back to the 46-yard line. The officials' mistakes continued when Mariota was incorrectly flagged for intentional grounding, moving the ball back to the 36-yard line. Despite these errors, the Commanders managed to tie the game with a 32-yard field goal as time expired. In overtime, the Broncos' defense was gassed, but they managed to hold off the Commanders, securing their ninth straight victory. Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto attributed the team's success to their experience in coming from behind in games. The Broncos' winning streak, their longest in 13 years, has been built on comebacks, with their last four games decided by a total of 10 points. While the team insists that luck has nothing to do with their success, they certainly received a few fortunate breaks in their win over the Commanders.