Coming into the game, there was a ton of optimism that the Denver Broncos could beat the Buffalo Bills. Coming off a huge win against the Kansas City Chiefs, the locker room was excited, the fans were hyped, and the possibilities were endless. Of course, the Bills are a playoff-caliber team. And no NFL game is easy. But the Broncos had a chance. And a chance is good enough for a club that started 1-5.
The game played out in prime time just the way Denver hoped it would. The Broncos took the early lead and set the tone right away. But here’s what almost derailed the Denver Broncos, and perhaps almost cost them a shot at the playoffs.
Monday Night Football: What Almost Derailed The Denver Broncos
Special Teams
The season was finally swinging in the right direction, after two straight wins and a bye to regroup. But special teams were what almost derailed the Denver Broncos when they traveled to play the Buffalo Bills. The final score was 24-22 in favor of the visiting team and the Broncos got their third win in a row. But the game almost went the other way.
With a missed extra point (off the upright) and a botched snap (through the hands of the punter), Denver’s special teams almost cost them a victory. In addition, kicker Wil Lutz missed the game-winning field goal. Fortunately, he then got a retry after the Bills committed a penalty. But special teams can make or break a game, and that was clearly illustrated this week.
The Offense
Denver’s offense managed to put up the same amount of points (24) this week as they did in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. That amount of offensive production is just enough, but it doesn’t add much room for error. With the special teams struggling where they have been solid all season, quarterback Russell Wilson and the offense needed to step up and score touchdowns.
Wilson did throw two touchdowns, and the Broncos did run the ball, 38 times. But four field goals and five punts is simply too much kicking. The game would have been out of hand had the Broncos scored when the Bills gave them the opportunity. And that’s another of what almost derailed the Denver Broncos.
The Defense
Speaking of defense, the Broncos forced the Bills into four turnovers, while only having one themselves. But one glaring mistake is what almost derailed the Denver Broncos on their way to a key victory. A blown coverage assignment on a zone defense call near the endzone allowed Buffalo to score their lone touchdown pass of the night. And while holding quarterback Josh Allen to one touchdown pass is great, allowing an easy score to rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid (plus a two-point conversion) almost set Denver up to fail.
One play, one lapse, can have a huge impact. But, ultimately, the Denver defense was able to force turnovers, which covered allowing two rushing touchdowns, the last one putting the Bills up by one point with only two minutes left in the game.
What Almost Derailed The Denver Broncos On Monday Night Football
On Monday Night Football, crucial mistakes were what almost derailed the Denver Broncos. However, the team was able to find a way to victory. While that’s ultimately what’s important, head coach Sean Payton will need to help fix mistakes if this team has its eyes on the playoffs. With relatively easy games ahead, the Broncos could go over .500. And, theoretically, they could reach the postseason. Special teams needs to solidify.
The offense needs to score more touchdowns. And the defense needs to minimize points. But, finally, Denver looks like a team that can fix problems and improve. They no longer look hapless. Their record is now respectable. And maybe, just maybe, the future is bright.
Main Image: Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK
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