The Denver Broncos turned heads across the NFL on Sunday, delivering one of their most dominant performances in years with a 28–3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Behind a smothering defense and a revitalized offense, the Broncos showcased the brand of football head coach Sean Payton has been promising since his arrival in Denver.
From the opening kickoff, Denver seized control. The Broncos’ defense, led by Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons, stifled Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow at every turn. Cincinnati, normally one of the league’s most explosive offenses, was held to just 212 total yards and a single field goal late in the second quarter. Burrow, under constant pressure, finished with no touchdowns and one interception, marking one of the roughest outings of his career.
On the other side of the ball, Russell Wilson looked poised and efficient. He threw for two touchdowns, one to Courtland Sutton on a perfectly placed fade route and another to Jerry Jeudy on a 40-yard strike that silenced the Cincinnati crowd. Running back Javonte Williams added balance to the attack, rushing for over 100 yards and punching in a third-quarter touchdown that stretched Denver’s lead beyond reach.
The turning point came midway through the second quarter. With Cincinnati trailing only 7–3, the Bengals drove deep into Denver territory, but Burrow’s pass was tipped and intercepted by linebacker Josey Jewell. The Broncos capitalized on the turnover with a quick touchdown drive, pushing the score to 14–3. From there, Denver never looked back.
By halftime, the Broncos led 21–3. The defense continued to dominate in the second half, forcing punts on four straight Bengals possessions. Rookie pass rusher Nik Bonitto recorded two sacks, while the secondary blanketed Chase and Higgins, preventing Cincinnati from gaining any rhythm.
After the game, Sean Payton praised his team’s discipline and fight but insisted that this was only the beginning. “We played physical, we played smart, and we executed the way we know we can,” Payton said. “But I’ll tell you this: this team is just getting started. We have a long way to go, but tonight was a glimpse of what we’re capable of.”
Wilson echoed his coach’s optimism. “We trusted each other,” he said. “The offensive line gave me time, the receivers made plays, and the defense was lights out. When we play complementary football like that, we can compete with anybody.”
The win improves Denver’s record to 3–2, injecting fresh momentum into a season that began with questions about their identity. For the Bengals, the lopsided loss drops them to 2–3 and raises concerns about their offensive line and Burrow’s ability to find consistency after an injury-hampered start.
Still, the storyline belongs to Denver. In dismantling a respected AFC contender on the road, the Broncos announced themselves as a team on the rise. If Sean Payton’s postgame message is any indication, Sunday’s 28–3 triumph may not just be a highlight — it may be the start of something much bigger in Denver.
