The Denver Broncos were on their way to gritting out what fans were nervously hoping would be a close win in Detroit when David Bruton and Emmanuel Sanders happened.
Up 17-12 and struggling to get consistent offensive momentum going, the game hung in the balance with Detroit starting to move the ball downfield. Denver had just converted a field goal, but had punted on their three previous possessions and lost possession on a fumble on the drive prior.
But with Detroit driving, David Bruton stepped up and made a huge interception just moments after allowing 29-yard reception that put the ball in Denver territory.
It was the momentum shift the Broncos needed, and then Emmanuel Sanders jumped up in the air and grabbed hold of that momentum for a catch that would set up the game-sealing touchdown.
As usual, the Denver media was all over things as these two game-changing plays unfolded.
Here’s how it looked and what they had to say about Bruton’s big interception…
WOW, what an interception by David Bruton Jr…https://t.co/njzT7p4Kqa
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 28, 2015
Bruton got his hand on the football and deflected it to himself. Gorgeous play with 3:37 left. Broncos take over at their 49.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 28, 2015
What a play by @D_Brut30!
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) September 28, 2015
Broncos defense third take-away. beautiful pick by David Bruton. @Broncos have it back..
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) September 28, 2015
Special teams star stars at Safety again.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) September 28, 2015
What a grab.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) September 28, 2015
And on Sanders’ ensuing 34-yard catch moments later…
Emmanuel Sanders is 5'11''
Humans under six-feet tall were not meant to catch balls thrown this high.#DENvsDET http://t.co/vrIeSz1wYs— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2015
Liquid mean forward.. Gun shot mean rewind.. U request so we rewind… "JUMP BAAALLL GEET IT GET!!" #respect
— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) September 28, 2015
Emmanuel Sanders plays bigger than 5'11" #gamer
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) September 28, 2015