Courtland Sutton’s leaping TD catch gives the Broncos the lead

On By Littum

  • Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior WriterNovember 24, 2024, 6:17 PM ET

    Close

      Jeff Legwold is a senior writer covering the Denver Broncos and the NFL on ESPN. Jeff has covered the Broncos for more than 20 years, joining ESPN in 2013. He also assists with NFL draft coverage, including his annual top 100 prospects. Jeff has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors since 1999. He has attended every scouting combine since 1987.

LAS VEGAS — Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix may be a rookie, but he’s been around long enough to know Courtland Sutton is a good bet to win a jump ball in the end zone.

Nix has said when he throws to Sutton in the scoring zone that “it doesn’t feel like anything close to a 50-50 ball, you always feel like (Sutton) is going to get it.” With 10:49 left. the third quarter Sunday at Allegiant Stadium and the Broncos struggle to close drives, Sutton redeemed his quarterback’s faith.

An interception by safety Brandon Jones had given the Broncos the ball at the Raiders’ 18-yard line. And on a second-and-10, Nix took his shot. Sutton ran toward the back right corner of the end zone with Raiders cornerback Jack Jones on his hip. Nix put the ball up high and Sutton won the game, got his feet down and the Broncos had their first touchdown of the game and a 16-13 lead.

It was Sutton’s fourth touchdown catch of the season and his second in the past three games.