Denver Broncos Complete All-Time Hail Mary Against Washington Commanders, Lose Anyway

The Denver Broncos had their prayers answered on a late-game desperation heave against the Washington Commanders during the late slate of Week 2, but it wasn't enough. Following a 50-yard completion on a tipped, bouncing hail mary from quarterback Russell Wilson as time expired, the Broncos failed on their two-point conversion attempt and fell 35-33, dropping to 0-2. 

It was a roller coaster ride for Broncos fans, many of whom left the building after a frustrating fourth quarter. The Broncos lept to a 21-3 lead early in the game that included a thrilling 60-yard touchdown reception from Marvin Mims Jr., but second-half struggles reared their ugly head yet again. 

Down 11 late in the fourth, the Broncos marched deep into Commanders territory for a bittersweet field goal, bleeding the clock for an interminable 5:18 and leaving only 1:53 remaining down eight. An onside kick attempt could not be converted, but the Broncos defense forced a much-needed three-and-out.

The Broncos got the ball back on their own 13, but with only 53 seconds left and no timeouts, they'd need a miracle. They got one, but ultimately, it went to waste. Commanders cornerback Benjamin St. Juste broke up a pass to Courtland Sutton on the two-point attempt, and Washington moved to 2-0.
33 points on the board is a step in the right direction for a Broncos squad that scored an NFL-worst 16.9 points per game in 2022, but that will be cold comfort for Denver fans. Despite the high score and a few explosive plays, issues persisted. Wilson absorbed a ghastly seven sacks and turned the ball over twice, and the clock management in the fourth quarter was abysmal. Still, because of one incredible play, it nearly didn't matter.

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