DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos celebrated a major victory against the Buffalo Bills, but the happiness was overshadowed by a significant loss. Quarterback Bo Nix, who guided the Broncos to a thrilling 33-30 overtime win, broke his right ankle shortly before Wil Lutz kicked the game-winner. Coach Sean Payton announced that Nix would have surgery soon, ending his season.
“We celebrate what he brought this year,” Payton said, emphasizing the team’s resilience. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham will step in. He’s had limited action this year but has played 20 games overall in the NFL.
Nix’s injury occurred during a quarterback keeper. Despite the pain, he managed to throw a crucial deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr., which set up the game-winning kick. This win marked Nix’s first playoff triumph and tied him with Russell Wilson for the most victories in the first two seasons.
Before the injury news broke, fans were buzzing after the Broncos’ first playoff win in ten years. Denver’s big defensive play came when Ja’Quan McMillian snagged an interception. This was pivotal, as it allowed the Broncos to regain momentum after being down earlier in the game.
McMillian described the interception as a hard-fought battle. “I saw the ball and just grabbed it. I wanted to show the fans something special,” he said. On the other side, Brandin Cooks from the Bills felt he made the catch, hinting at the fine line between success and failure in tight games.
Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen, who faced a tough game, stated, “I felt I let my teammates down.” He struggled with turnovers, giving the Broncos a chance to capitalize and build an early lead. The Bills, after another postseason exit, continue to seek their first Super Bowl appearance under his leadership.
The Broncos scored quickly before halftime, solidifying their lead. They avenged last season’s playoff loss to the Bills with a strategy centered on strong defense and opportunistic plays. Payton noted their preparedness this time around, a stark contrast to last year’s performance.
As for injuries, it was a tough game for both teams. The Bills faced issues with linebacker Dorian Williams and defensive tackle Ed Oliver. On the Broncos’ side, receiver Pat Bryant suffered a concussion early in the game. The continuous injuries highlight the physical toll of playoff football.
Looking ahead, the Broncos are preparing for their first AFC Championship game in over a decade, while the Bills are left pondering how to finally break through to the Super Bowl.
For more on NFL updates and developments, visit the AP NFL section: AP NFL.
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