The Denver Broncos downed the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in the AFC Divisional Round this week. Heading into the matchup, it was an offensive juggernaut vs. a defensive juggernaut. Interestingly to Broncos fans, both heavyweights got theirs in this battle. The Broncos’ defense totaled five takeaways, while the Bills’ offense scored 30 points.
Broncos Defense Bends but Doesn’t Break
The Broncos’ defense totaled two turnovers in the first half, allowing 10 points. And bending but not breaking, Denver’s defense totaled three more turnovers in the second half — allowing 20 more points. So, while the Broncos’ defense allowed 30 points, the Broncos’ offense scored 16 points off of those five turnovers because of the short fields.
Denver’s offense scored points off turnovers on drives starting at their 31-yard line, their 20-yard line (in overtime), the Bills’ 32-yard line, and the Bills’ 17-yard line.
Bo Nix Clutch Late in the Second Half
Down four points, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix engineered an eight-play, 73-yard drive that took three minutes and 16 seconds to put Denver up 30-27. Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s first reception came on this drive, an 11-yard reception to start the drive. Three plays later, Sutton caught a 25-yard reception as well. He pitched in a third reception for six yards, too. Nix’s stat line is below.
Nix: 26-of-46 for 279 yards, three touchdowns, an interception, and an 87.1 passer rating.
He added 12 carries for 29 yards as well. Nix’s stats are much better with the context that the offense was one-dimensional. The Broncos’ offense totaled 22 carries for 70 yards. Running backs RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin, meanwhile, totaled 10 carries for 41 yards. The former, though, added four receptions for 22 yards in the passing game.
And in overtime, Nix led a six-play, 75-yard drive that lasted three minutes and two seconds — ending in a game-winning field goal.
Broncos’ Rushing Offense Needs To Wake Up
Both offenses totaled 349-plus yards, but the Broncos’ rushing offense was the only department to not total triple-digit yardage. Both passing offenses totaled more than 265 yards, while the Broncos’ rushing offense totaled just 70 yards to Buffalo’s rushing offense’s 183 — a margin of 113 yards. It’s why the Bills won the time of possession battle 40:58 to 29:18. Harvey disappointed, but came up with a clutch 24-yard reception in overtime. Next week needs to be better.
