The Buffalo Bills have become synonymous with explosive offensive performances, frequently lighting up scoreboards with 30 points or more this season. Their offensive prowess was on full display in their recent matchup, posing a significant challenge to the Denver Broncos’ defense—a unit once heralded for its ability to stifle opponents, allowing just 18.3 points per game, ranking them third in the league, and yielding only 317.1 yards per game, placing them seventh.
However, the Broncos’ defense has seen a noticeable decline since December. Strip away the Week 18 anomaly where the Kansas City Chiefs rested their starters, and the numbers tell a different story. Over that stretch, the Broncos have surrendered 22.0 points per game, slipping to 13th in the league rankings, and 362.2 yards per contest, which places them 24th. This shift in defensive effectiveness was a precursor to the Bills’ offensive onslaught, including their victory in the playoffs this past Sunday.
Despite the defensive struggles late in the season, the Broncos managed to secure a playoff spot largely through the impressive quarterbacking of Bo Nix and an invigorated offense. Yet, the defensive lapses left the squad vulnerable, much to the chagrin of head coach Sean Payton. His frustration directed at defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was evident, reflecting the high expectations placed on a defense that was once a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. While still a formidable unit, it’s clear the Broncos have some adjustments to make if they hope to recapture their early-season dominance.
