The Denver Broncos playoff game on Saturday did not go exactly how fans expected, but Denver still pulled through and won the game. Going into the game, the Broncos were the favorite to win.The game ended with a Denver win, but it came with an injury of the star quarterback, Bo Nix.
The Broncos played a tough opponent during this playoff game, the Buffalo Bills. The game stayed close from start to finish . Bo Nix led the offense with confidence with 279 passing yards and 3 touchdown passes. Denver’s defense did amazing forcing the second most turnovers in postseason franchise history, one strip sack and two interceptions.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Broncos continued to rely on contributions from all three phases. The defense was able to hold the Bills and prevent them from pulling away, giving the offense opportunities to respond. As the game moved into overtime, Denver stayed patient and focused on execution.
In overtime, the Bills won the coin toss and deferred, giving Denver the ball first. However the Bills defense held the Broncos on the first drive. So it’s was the Bills ball now and if they score, they win. Although Josh Allen and his offense had a very good drive, the Broncos’ defense came up huge on Bills drive number one, with a controversial interception by Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian.
Then Bo Nix led his team on a drive down into field goal territory, setting up kicker Will Lutz with a 23 yard field goal, who connected on a clutch field goal to give Denver the win in overtime, to move Denver on to the AFC championship game were they will be hosting the New England Patriots.
However, despite the win, during the final moments of the game, Bo Nix suffered an injury on one of the last plays. And to make it worse it’s believed that play was the second to last play of the game where Bo nix kneeled the ball.
Nix looked normal coming off the field looking normal and even took part in the postgame interview, which initially suggested the injury might not be serious. After the game, head coach Sean Payton confirmed that Nix had suffered a broken ankle, an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the playoffs. Bo will have surgery Tuesday January 20th on his ankle.
Despite the injury, the Broncos still earned the win and advanced. The team celebrated the victory, but the focus quickly shifted to what comes next. Denver will now have to prepare for the next playoff game without their starting quarterback.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is expected to take over, and head coach Sean Payton said this, “Stidham is ready to go, will rise up for the next challenge, I feel I got a number 2 that’s capable of starting on many teams, just watch.” This is very promising for Denver and its fans considering how confident Sean Payton seemed in Stidham.
Denver’s next game is against the New England Patriots in the AFC championship, on Sunday January 25th at empower field in mile high at 1pm MST and 3pm EST.
