The Denver Broncos’ season came to a close in Orchard Park, New York after a 31-7 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon.
We take a look at the studs and duds from the Broncos’ playoff game.
Stud: Fast start
The Broncos were able to score a touchdown after five plays, setting them up with a first-quarter lead. Nix accounted for over 60 total yards on the opening drive, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to rookie Troy Franklin. Nix and Franklin made NFL history on the play, becoming the first rookie-to-rookie duo to connect for a touchdown in the playoffs. Unfortunately, that would be the last Denver score of the game.
Dud: Defense
The Bills were able to run and pass, having their way with the vaunted Broncos ‘defense. Denver missed tackles, had busted coverages and costly penalties. That is not a good combination against arguably to best team in the AFC. Buffalo ended the game with 471 yards of total offense, including 210 yards on the ground.
Stud: Riley Dixon
Although he was on the field quite a bit to punt, Dixon completed a pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims for a first down. Dixon punted four times for 192 yards along with the pass. Dixon did his part on Sunday, and he’s now scheduled to become a free agent in March.
Dud: PJ Locke
Locke had a tough game, getting beat on a 4th-and-1 touchdown pass, and on a Dalton Kinkaid catch in the fourth quarter. Not a strong showing for the veteran.
Stud: Bo Nix
Although his stat line was not like last week, Nix never stopped fighting. On a fourth-quarter drive, Nix passed and rushed for nearly all of Denver’s yards. Nix fought all game, and kept taking shots down field. The best part about 2024 is that the Broncos look like they’ve finally found their long-term answer to the quarterback position that has plagued them since Peyton Manning. Nix finished the game 13-of-22 for 144 yards and one touchdown and no turnovers. He also rushed for a team-high 43 yards.
The future is bright!
Although the Broncos season is over, this may have been one of the most improbable seasons in recent memory. Denver was only projected to win five or six games in 2024. They made it to the playoffs! The team has seemingly found their quarterback of the future in Bo Nix, and had a huge turnaround from 2023.
The Broncos were within one score for most of the game, until the late third quarter against the high-powered Buffalo Bills. The future is bright in Denver.
