Broncos Defeat Bills 33-30 in Overtime Thriller | Triumph and Heartbreak
The NFL postseason continues to deliver the highest highs and the lowest lows. Within an hour of the Broncos’ most meaningful victory of the last decade, Sean Payton delivered the soul-crushing news that quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle on the final drive of Denver’s 33-30 overtime win over the Bills, subsequently sidelineing Nix for the remainder of the playoffs and ending his stellar sophomore season.
Game Recap
In the final game of his season, Nix outperformed the reigning league MVP, saving one of the best performances of his career for when it mattered most. According to Next Gen Stats, Nix was three-for-four for 84 yards and two touchdowns on deep passes (20+ air yards), while Josh Allen went zero-for-nine and threw two interceptions. He did all this, with multiple drops from his receivers, missing two of his top targets (Pat Bryant & Troy Franklin) due to injury, while also being the Broncos’ leading rusher. That is the definition of putting the team on your back.
It was a very bittersweet ending to Nix’s season, but there is no doubt in my mind that the Nix-Payton experiment has been a success. They have totaled 25 wins, two playoff berths, and one playoff victory. Broncos Country, we have a solidified duo at quarterback and head coach for many years to come.
As for the defense, the Broncos allowed nearly 450 total yards to Josh Allen and James Cook. Allen and Cook most certainly displayed why they are two of the league’s best, but Denver’s defense found a way to make plays and force colossal errors out of these two superstars.
Alex Singleton laid the wood on Cook, forcing a fumble with Talanoa Hufanga majestically leaping in for the recovery just as Buffalo was marching towards the redzone. Nik Bonitto also stripped Josh Allen on consecutive drives to close and open the half, leading to two Denver field goals. Denver’s secondary also forced two Allen interceptions, with the second coming in overtime. Broncos’ cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian stole the ball from Bill’s receiver Brandin Cooks as he was going to the ground before he gained possession, resulting in an interception, giving Denver their second possession of overtime that led to a game-winning field goal from Wil Lutz.
Not only did the Broncos finish the game with a +4 turnover differential (after finishing the regular season with a negative turnover differential), but they also kept Buffalo out of the end zone on two of their red zone opportunities. Denver’s defensive performance against the red-hot Buffalo Bills and prime Josh Allen shows how truly impactful they are and that they are more than capable of leading this team to a championship.
One Game Away From Super Bowl 60
This season, the Broncos have proven to be one of the league’s best and most well-rounded teams. Can Denver rally around six-year veteran quarterback Jarrett Stidham as he is set to make the first postseason start of his career in relief of the injured Bo Nix? Will we have another classic AFC Championship game between the Broncos and Patriots at Mile High, or will this Sunday be a dud? Standby for a deeper analysis on how the Broncos can and will upset the Patriots this Sunday. In other words, prepare yourselves for Stiddy Time!