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Darian Stewart’s Top-5 Moments as a Denver Bronco

By Andy Martinez

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Free safety Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Free safety Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Darian Stewart, Denver Broncos
Former Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

4. Unleashing his inner Steve Atwater

In playing alongside TJ Ward, Stewart’s hard-hitting style tended to be overlooked at times. Throughout his time in Denver, Stewart landed several heavy hits on players like Cam Newton and Amari Cooper. But none came close to his hit on Mike Tolbert in the 2016 season opener against the visiting Panthers. The way the hit was delivered was reminiscent of Steve Atwater’s hit on Christian Okoye in 1990.

On 3rd and 6, Cam Newton threw a shovel pass to running back Mike Tolbert, who was quickly met by Darian Stewart. Stewart lowered his shoulder and laid a textbook hit that left the All-Pro, 243-pound fullback gasping for air.

Steve Atwater’s historic hit on Christian Okoye is the holy grail for any Broncos fan, so a casual comparison would be disrespectful. However, due to its strong resemblance, Stewart’s hit has made its case to be regarded as one of the best hits in Broncos history.

3. Three Turnover Game

Stewart’s biggest game with the Broncos came in a thriller against the Saints down in New Orleans in Week 10 of 2016. In a game close to home, Stewart made sure he showed out for his supporters with two interceptions and a fumble recovery made in mid-air.

Stewart became the first Broncos player since Deltha O’Neal in 2001 to finish a game with three takeaways.

After the game, Stewart was all smiles when asked how he managed to have such a big game:

"It was one of those days, I knew today was going to be special. I had a lot of family in the stands. I have couple nieces that had never seen me play, it was good to be able to do that for them. Darian Stewart via Broncos PR"

2. Revenge Game vs. Ravens

If there was any indication as to how Denver would end up winning the Super Bowl in 2015, it was Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Denver’s offense was not the record-breaking one that it once used to be, but their defense was always up for the challenge in closing out games.

In a game in which not a single offensive touchdown was scored, the Ravens began to surge late in the fourth quarter. Joe Flacco threw up what seemed to be a sure touchdown to his tight end Crockett Gilmore, but the pass was snatched away by Darian Stewart in the End Zone with only 28 seconds left on the clock.

"That’s my old team and it was just good to get to go out there and finally hit them. Darian Stewart via Broncos PR"

Not only was it a huge moment for Darian Stewart, who got a chance to stick it to his old team, but it set the tone for what became a historic season for the 2015 Denver Broncos defense.

Turns out Broncos fans in Denver weren’t the only ones who got excited for the ending in this one. Check out this crazy commentary on the play, all the way from Denmark.

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