Clutchland Sutton: Broncos receiver’s amazing grab gives him NFL-best 7th red zone TD

The best moment from the first half of the week 10 Monday Night Football game in Buffalo came from a visiting player — a sensational grab from Denver receiver Courtland Sutton for the game’s first touchdown.

Sutton, as delicately as he could, snared a Russell Wilson pass and kept both feet in bounds for his NFL-high seventh red zone touchdown of 2023. It was an impressive play in an impressive first half for the Broncos, who forced Bills quarterback Josh Allen into three turnovers and returned to the locker room with a 15-8 lead.

Sutton somehow stayed in bounds

Midway through the second quarter, on a fourth-and-two from Buffalo’s seven-yard line, Denver quarterback Wilson stepped back to pass but was soon flushed out of the pocket. On the run, Wilson lofted a ball into the end zone that appeared more hopeful than anything.

But there was Sutton, who gained separation beyond the reach of safety Taylor Rapp and caught Wilson’s pass. There was more work to do, but Sutton did it — he dragged both feet in-bounds before falling, and a review overturned the initial call of “no catch,” awarding Denver a touchdown.

Sutton’s touchdown capped a first half that saw him ring up a game-high four catches and 47 yards. Wilson threw for 114 yards and completed 12 of his 14 passes in the first two quarters as his rejuvenation continues under new head coach Sean Payton.

Travis Kelce is also among the NFL’s best in the red zone — Taylor Swift may argue he’s better at kissing

New video shows exclusive angle of Taylor Swift’s kiss with Travis Kelce

The best in the red zone

Sutton’s touchdown was his seventh of the season — and all of them have come inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. This is the best mark in the NFL, and an indicator as to how clutch the one-time Pro Bowl selection has been for Denver.

Sutton’s seventh red zone touchdown broke a tie with two other players — Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs — atop the charts. That total would have been second in the NFL last year behind only Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce — who has plenty of time to add to his four red zone touchdown grabs before the regular season is over.