Traveling to the east coast against a hot New Orleans Saints team, the Denver Broncos knew they’d have a true test this week. However, few people could have imagined a nail-biting finish like the one the two teams put on display Sunday.

A blocked extra point taken all the way back for a touchdown proved to be the deciding factor in a hard-fought battle for both sides/

Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak spoke with pride and optimism after the 25-23 victory in Louisiana.

“We talked all last night I just want to see them fight,” said Kubiak to KOA. “Obviously we’re missing a couple guys, we’ve been struggling a little bit. I asked them to come in here and just lay it all on the line, and that’s what we did as a football team. It didn’t look good there at the end but we found a way to make a big, big play and that’s what this league is all about. So I’m very proud of our guys.”

After having allowed a Brandin Cooks 36-yard touchdown to tie things up, Kubiak and special teams coach Joe DeCamillis called on a special play known as “leaper.” Rookie safety Justin Simmons—he of a 40-inch vertical—jumped over the line and blocked the kick.

“It’s a desperation play in a lot of ways because all you have to do is touch one guy and it’s illegal,” explained Kubiak. “But, you know, the kid did a great job of timing it and getting over the top. Joe works with him all the time, and there’s just certain situations where you give it a shot, and it wins the game for us (today).”

Another key to the game was Denver winning the turnover battle 4-2, three of those coming from Broncos free safety Darian Stewart, who had an unbelievable game.

“It’s interesting, I came here with him from Baltimore—we came here and won, and I think Stew had two turnovers,” the head coach remembered. “So I think Stew likes this place, he’s a great player and a great kid.”

In all the excitement of the desperate win coming to fruition, the head coach remained very much focused on the future. An area he looks forward to with both optimism while remaining conscious of improvements his team has to make.

“We started very well, so we got that turned around a little bit,” he said. “Now we need to finish, you know we’re in position as a team to finish there late in the game… We’ve got seven wins here as a team, and it’s been a battle, and we’ll get some of these guys back. So we need this break, and we expect to get better here on the back end, so it’s going to be fun.”

Quarterback Trevor Siemian, who’s now completed his first nine career starts, shared a similar mentality to his coach.

“I think it’s good…obviously good and bad in there,” said Siemian about his whirlwind experience as a first-time starter. “But learning a ton and I don’t think we’re a finished product yet, so that’s exciting. Coming back next week and getting back to work hopefully we can get a little better.”

No stranger to adversity and late game wins, Kubiak has his team focused on the future in a much-needed bye week. At 7-3, while there’s still lots of work to be done, Kubiak’s Broncos are in a great position to finish the regular season on a run.