Nik Bonitto warned people that he could play in coverage. Denver’s edge rusher played safety during his senior season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. And even though his experience at defensive back was minimal, Bonitto was certain he could cover if called upon.
An opportunity to showcase those skills came about in the second quarter against the Browns on Monday night.
Browns quarterback Jameis Winston thought he had a wide-open Jordan Akins for a check-down throw in the flat. Instead, Bonitto anticipated the pass perfectly, snatching the ball and sprinting the other way for a 71-yard touchdown to give Denver a 21-10 lead with less than two minutes to go in the second quarter.