The Broncos are three Ducks away from hitting a big play.

Oregon center Alex Forsyth snaps the football to Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who completes a pass to Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin. Except this isn’t 2022 in the now-defunct Pac-12. Those ex-Ducks are now a growing piece of coach Sean Payton’s offense.

They combined for their first NFL touchdown in a Week 6 home loss to the Chargers.

“That was a great connection,” Nix said after the game on Oct. 13. “I thought it was unique we had an Oregon player snap it, an Oregon player throw it, and an Oregon player catch it. I don’t know if that’s ever happened in the NFL.”

Last week, following practice at Broncos Park, Forsyth and Franklin spoke with The Denver Gazette about the Oregon trio’s college-to-NFL connection.

Forsyth: “Bo mentioned it a couple of days before the game: ‘Man, how cool would it be?’”

Franklin: “I always want to just honor the fact that we came from the same college. We made a play together on the same field. It’s a pretty good feeling, for sure.”

Their momentum continued last week in a Thursday night road win over the Saints. Franklin led the offense in targets (six), receptions (five) and receiving yards (50). In the second quarter, Nix delivered a throw on the run to Franklin toward the near sideline that resulted in a 30-yard gain, their longest of the game.

Franklin, against the Saints and Chargers, appeared on more than 50% of Denver’s total offensive snaps. His role increased after wide receiver Josh Reynolds landed on injured reserve with a hand injury. Franklin has 12 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown over six games played entering Week 8 at home on Sunday against the Panthers.

“I think my confidence is up there,” Franklin told The Denver Gazette. “I just want to stack another good week and make sure I’m helping my team the most I can.”

Payton discussed Franklin’s pro development on a Monday teleconference call with local media.

“I think there’s a confidence (in) not only what he’s doing, but confidence in playing at this level. You certainly see it week-to- week,” Payton said. “He’s someone that runs well. He knows how to separate. I think it’s part of being a young player, but particularly for him as a receiver, finding that role. He’s playing lot of ‘Z’ for us (and) sometimes in the slot. But I think he’s progressing pretty quickly.”

Forsyth, in his second NFL start, centered a bounce-back effort from the offensive line in their lopsided road win over the Saints. Denver totaled 225 rushing yards, Javonte Williams scored twice on the ground, and quarterback Bo Nix did not get sacked.

Forsyth is proud of the Oregon flavor that made it possible — especially Franklin.

“He’s worked his butt off since he’s got here,” Forsyth told The Denver Gazette. “Being with (Franklin) at Oregon and seeing how much he’s developed from the first year in college to now, it’s really been special. The way he approaches the game is the right way. I know that Bo has been a great mentor for him. But Troy has done an excellent job of maturing and progressing.”