Broncos Upset Bills: The Good, Bad & Ugly

We continue sifting through the victorious aftermath of the Denver Broncos' big win in Buffalo.

Mike Evans | Nov 14, 2023

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In an NFL season rife with surprises, the Denver Broncos' 24-22 road victory over the Buffalo Bills stands out as a beacon of resilience. Against the backdrop of Buffalo's formidable offense led by Josh Allen, a quarterback whose arm strength and escapability are the envy of the league, the Broncos showcased a never-quit mindset.

Despite several missed opportunities to put the game away, the Broncos clung to their playoff dreams by a thread, thanks partly to a fortunate penalty in the dying moments. As we sift through the aftermath of Denver's huge road win, let's examine the good, bad, and ugly from Week 10.

The Good

Vance Joseph's Defense

The Broncos' defense, under the guidance of Joseph, has transformed from a liability to a formidable asset. In this game, the defense was the architect of the win, creating four turnovers and providing the Broncos' offense with optimal field position.

Holding Allen to a paltry 177 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions and a dismal 59.3 passer rating, speaks volumes about the Broncos' defensive progress. Fabian Moreau held his own on the opposite side of the Broncos' best player — Patrick Surtain II — excelling with five tackles and a key interception.

Russell Wilson | QB

Meanwhile, Wilson, channeling the reliability of an old Chevy, was efficient — completing 24-of-29 passes for 193 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and scrambling for 30 yards.

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The Bad

One-Dimensional Offense

Sean Payton's offense, while effective in the running game thanks to Javonte Williams and the solid blocking of the offensive line, led by right guard Quinn Meinerz, has become predictably one-dimensional. Having decoded the Broncos' playbook, the Bills' defense loaded the box, stifled the running lanes, and held Williams to 79 yards on 21 carries for a meager 3.8 yards per tote.

This lack of offensive diversity is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed if the Broncos hope to continue to compete with the league's elite. Denver's offense can't count on wide receiver Courtland Sutton making circus catches to save them every time they get into a jam.

The Ugly

Special Teams

The Broncos' special teams play was a mixed affair. Kicker Wil Lutz's early missed extra point almost tilted the game in the Bills' favor, highlighting an area that needs immediate attention. Punter and placeholder Riley Dixon's botched handling of an extra-point snap in the fourth quarter came back to haunt the Broncos within minutes.

However, Marvin Mims Jr. provided a silver lining with his electrifying returns, offering a glimpse of what the Broncos' special teams unit can achieve with execution and accountability on individual position responsibilities. The special team woes and penalties made the game's score much closer than necessary and nearly cost Denver a crucial victory.

The Takeaway

In the unpredictable world of the NFL, the Broncos have pieced together a three-game winning streak that, while not always pretty, has been effective. This string of victories, marked by improved play and sheer tenacity, offers renewed hope to Broncos Country.

In a season filled with ups and downs, the Broncos' resilience is a beacon of optimism, reminding fans that in sports, fortunes can turn as quickly as the weather in Colorado. After everything the Broncos have put fans through over the past seven years, enjoy this ride, however bumpy it may be.