The Denver Broncos have made their return to the playoffs for the first time in eight years, and it appears they have uncovered a true franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, who has broken multiple franchise and NFL rookie records. Despite this achievement, the team is not resting on its laurels.
Excitement is building as they prepare to face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. “We’re all aware that our journey is far from over. The job is not finished,” commented cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who is a leading contender for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, as noted by BetMGM Sportsbook. “[Our goal] is to go to Buffalo, experience that iconic atmosphere there, and come away with a victory. The team’s mentality is definitely focused on that direction,” Surtain explained. “While making the playoffs is a milestone, we have bigger aspirations. Our journey signifies more than just one playoff game. We’re aiming for a deep postseason run.”
Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of keeping a young team grounded following their impressive 38-0 win against the Kansas City Chiefs’ backups, which concluded their lengthy playoff drought. “Getting into the playoffs is a significant part of the goal,” stated Payton. “However, it’s crucial to put forth your best effort in preparing to compete against a very strong team. That’s where our focus lies.” He added that, as the head coach, he pays close attention to potential distractions both inside and outside the team facilities, especially with the celebration surrounding their playoff berth.
While there is a sense of joy among players, Payton understands the need for deliberate efforts to keep the Broncos focused on their upcoming matchup. As the seventh seed, the Broncos will be traveling throughout the playoffs. If they manage to defeat the Bills, they would then head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the top-seeded Chiefs (15-2), who earned the AFC’s only bye as they chase a third consecutive Super Bowl title. The Broncos have faced frustration in recent years, only returning to these locker room exit interviews annually since their victory in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016, during the farewell game of Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
Heading into the season, expectations were low for the Broncos, particularly due to Russell Wilson’s hefty cap hit. The team was starting a rookie quarterback, selected sixth in the draft, and had parted ways with several veteran players. Many anticipated another mediocre season in a competitive AFC. “There were many doubters, but we believed in ourselves from the first day of the OTAs,” remarked defensive lineman Zach Allen. “Right from that first practice, we could see that we had something special. Our group exhibits a level of maturity, and we don’t let external opinions affect us.”
As for what’s imperative for the team right now, Denver’s pass rush has been impressive. The Broncos added five more sacks in their last game, bringing their season total to a franchise-record 63, the highest of any team this year.
After their convincing dominance over the Chiefs’ reserves, it’s challenging to identify specific areas needing improvement. Denver converted 10 of 14 third-down opportunities, compared to Kansas City’s 1 of 9. They ended the game with 479 total yards against K.C.’s 98, executed 72 offensive plays to Kansas City’s 33, and displayed a powerful rushing game with 158 yards to the Chiefs’ 27. Additionally, they out-threw their opponents 321 yards to 71 and maintained possession for nearly 42 minutes, contrasting with Kansas City’s 18 minutes.
On the upward trajectory is quarterback Bo Nix, who concluded his rookie season with 29 touchdown passes, just two shy of the rookie record held by Justin Herbert. Nix’s impressive 34 total touchdowns mark the third-most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, following Herbert’s 36 and Cam Newton’s 35. He also established a franchise record for the highest single-game completion percentage (89.7) after going 26 of 29 for 321 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
In contrast, critics predicting only five wins for the Broncos have seen their assessments deflated.
In terms of health, the Broncos are in excellent shape, without any significant injuries to report.
A key statistic of interest is 40, representing the number of consecutive successful kicks since the Chiefs blocked Wil Lutz’s potential game-winning attempt at the end of their matchup in Week 10. Since that game, Lutz has successfully converted 27 extra points and 13 field goals.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for a critical matchup in Buffalo, where they will encounter former teammate Von Miller, who was named MVP of Super Bowl 50.
