NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Broncos safety Darian Stewart was in the right place at the right time, as Denver defenders often seem to be.
Shutting down quarterback Drew Brees for four quarters was always going to be a tall order, particularly with starting quarterback Aqib Talib and starting defensive end Derek Wolfe injured. Still, Denver’s dynamic defense produced four pivotal turnovers in a wild 25-23 victory over the previously surging Saints on Sunday.
“The Saints’ offense is real tough and we knew that coming in,” said Stewart, who had two interceptions and a fumble recovery . “We had a lot of guys out injured, which only made the challenge more difficult. But we had a lot of guys who stepped in and made contributions. That was huge.”
The game ultimately was decided in the unlikeliest of ways. Denver rookie Justin Simmons blocked a potential go-ahead, extra-point kick by New Orleans’ Wil Lutz, and rookie teammate Will Parks grabbed the loose ball, returning it 84 yards for a defensive 2-point conversion with 1:28 left in the game.
Yet New Orleans might never have relinquished its 17-10, second-half lead if not for two fumbles forced by Denver’s defense.