Broncos Darian Stewart shines on “special” day, gets 3 takeaways

Until about 90 seconds left in Sunday’s 25-23 win over the New Orleans Saints, the Denver Broncos storyline of weekend was likely safety Darian Stewart’s three-takeaway day.

He can thank fellow safeties Justin Simmons and Will Parks for stealing his thunder with a game-winning PAT block with just more than a minute remaining in regulation.

The second-year Broncos defensive back grabbed two interceptions against future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees on back-to-back drives to go along with a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter that set up a game-tying drive.

“I knew today was going to be special,” who, along with Simmons and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, earned a game ball from head coach Gary Kubiak.

Sunday was the first time a Broncos player had three or more takeaways since Deltha O’Neal had four interceptions against the Kansas City Chiefs in October 2001.

On the day, Denver had four takeaways, with T.J. Ward scooping up another late fumble, which is something Kubiak said he challenged his defense to do this week.

“When our guys get their hands on the ball, we play well. And we didn’t do that last week or a few weeks ago,” Kubiak said.

Including Sunday’s tilt with the Saints, Denver’s only win without winning the turnover differential was in the team’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers, when they gave up the ball three times and only had one takeaway.

In each of the team’s three losses this season, Denver’s either had an equal amount of turnovers or more than its opponent.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.