DENVER — Mile High advantage is real, and right now, it’s burying the Buffalo Bills.
Entering the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Round, the #1 seed Denver Broncos lead 23-10, riding a disastrous second quarter from Buffalo that has left Josh Allen and the Bills offense searching for answers. The Broncos defense has been suffocating, holding the high-powered Bills to just 3 points in the last 20 minutes of play.
While the first quarter was a tightly contested battle (BUF 7 – DEN 3), the game flipped on its head in the second. Denver exploded for 17 points, exposing gaps in the Bills’ secondary that Bo Nix has ruthlessly exploited.
Despite the scoreboard, the Bills aren’t dead yet—but they are on life support. As of 8:22 left in the 3rd Quarter, Buffalo has driven to the Denver 19-yard line (1st & 10).
This is the game. Right here. If Allen can punch this in for a touchdown, it’s a 23-17 game, and the pressure shifts back to the rookie Nix. If the Broncos defense holds them to a field goal (or forces a turnover), the Bills can likely book their flights home.
“We knew the altitude would be a factor, but the communication breakdown in the secondary is inexcusable. 17 points in one quarter? That’s not playoff football.”
— Halftime Sideline Report
Can the Bills defense get a stop? Even if Allen scores here, the Bills defense has had no answer for Sean Payton’s play-calling. Buffalo needs a turnover, and they need it immediately. The “Orange Crush” defense is smelling blood in the water.
