ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos’ hopes of clinching a playoff spot were jeopardized after losses to the Chargers and Bengals, leading many to question Sean Payton’s decision to move the team’s Week 16 game to Thursday night.
The NFL required the Broncos’ approval to replace the Cincinnati-Cleveland matchup with their game against the Chargers, as Denver had already played on a Thursday evening earlier in the season.
Payton accepted the change confidently, believing that the team’s loyal supporters would make the trip to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and tempered expectations, thinking the Broncos would be better rested coming off a previous victory over the Colts. However, the Broncos (9-7) faltered against the Chargers, in part due to Payton’s decision to stray from the run game, even though it had initially driven their success with scoring touchdowns on their first three drives. Ironically, he had even scribbled “Run It!!” on the top of his play sheet.
The Broncos’ struggle continued with a narrow overtime loss to the Bengals, where the game was marked by a crucial late-game decision. After a remarkable touchdown reception by Marvin Mims Jr. with only eight seconds remaining, Payton opted against a two-point conversion that could have clinched the game. “A tie for us was just as beneficial as a win,” explained Payton, who felt the momentum favored them at that moment.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix advocated for the two-point play but was ultimately unsuccessful in swaying Payton’s choice. “We discussed it thoroughly. We had ample time to deliberate,” he stated, defending the decision he made. However, hindsight suggested that converting just one extra point allowed Joe Burrow the opportunity to reclaim possession, which was a significant risk considering the Broncos had failed to force a punt throughout the game, a fact Payton later admitted he was unaware of.
The Broncos finally managed to force a punt during overtime, but they quickly went three-and-out, which was a repetitive issue that doomed them. When Bengals kicker Cade York missed a 33-yard field goal attempt—hitting the upright—the Broncos had a chance to secure their playoff spot with a simple first down. Yet, Nix misconnected with tight end Adam Trautman on a crucial third-and-long, leading to another punt instead of a game-winning drive for the Broncos, ultimately allowing Burrow to guide the Bengals (8-8) to victory.
Looking ahead, the Broncos still have a sliver of hope with a Week 18 showdown against the Chiefs, who are expected to rest some starters as they prepare for the playoffs. A win would mark Denver’s return to the postseason for the first time since 2015. Yet, the team’s defensive performance since November has been lackluster, giving up record yards, which raises concerns for another potential loss against Kansas City and a historic season collapse.
“This is what we play for — meaningful games,” said Payton, emphasizing the excitement of competing when something significant is at stake.
On the brighter side, the Broncos’ pass rush showed promise, as they recorded seven sacks against Burrow, marking a league-high 58 sacks for the season. Zach Allen stood out with 3.5 sacks, contributing to a strong effort from multiple players.
However, the defense still has significant areas requiring improvement. Riley Moss, who returned after a month-long absence due to injury, struggled against Burrow, particularly during critical moments, including the decisive touchdown pass to Tee Higgins, who caught three scoring passes.
Mims Jr. shone in his performance with eight receptions for 103 yards and two pivotal touchdowns in the fourth quarter, greatly enhancing his standing within the team.
Despite the bright spots, the overall performance of Denver’s defense post-December has been discouraging, necessitating urgent adjustments. Fortunately, the team emerged without major injuries, although standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II appeared to be struggling towards the end of the match.
In a historical context, Nix’s performance placed him among five rookie quarterbacks to surpass 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, joining the ranks of past legends like Peyton Manning.
Next week is crucial, as the Bronco’s playoff aspirations hinge on their performance against Kansas City. A victory would ensure their postseason pivot and revitalization as a competitive team.
