The Bills handed the Broncos a tough lesson in their playoff matchup, showcasing their dominance and execution throughout the game
Even when Denver tried to make a move, Buffalo stayed calm and collected. Their receivers stepped up for quarterback Josh Allen, making crucial plays. They controlled the game’s tempo, which was key.
Buffalo dominated possession, holding the ball for 31 minutes in the first three quarters. They consistently moved the chains, scoring two touchdowns and two field goals on their first five drives. Then, they hit a big play with a 55-yard touchdown to Curtis Samuel.
The Broncos fought hard but struggled to execute. They had drops from Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin at critical moments, along with too many penalties and a missed field goal. The slow start in the third quarter didn’t help either.
What really stings for Denver isn’t just the score; it’s the mistakes they made themselves. Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady came in ready to run the ball, and they did just that, racking up 128 rushing yards in the first half. James Cook was a standout, carrying the ball 13 times for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Allen also used his legs effectively, making it tough for the Broncos. Despite being one of the best teams at stopping the run, Buffalo didn’t seem to care.
The Broncos had been trying to connect with Troy Franklin all season, but it often fell flat. They finally hit a deep ball on their first drive against Buffalo, with Nix throwing a perfect 43-yard touchdown pass to Franklin. It was a historic moment, marking the first rookie-to-rookie touchdown pass in NFL postseason history. Too bad there weren’t more of those for Denver.
Looking ahead, the Broncos made the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, which is impressive for their rebuilding phase. However, this loss highlighted areas they need to improve, especially around Nix. They need more playmakers at tight end and running back and to boost their defense’s athleticism.
The AFC is tough, with stars like Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson. The competition isn’t going anywhere soon, so Denver has a lot of work ahead.
