Image Source: Tim Lynch
Key Takeaways
- The Denver Broncos started the second quarter with a three-and-out, giving the ball back to the Buffalo Bills offense
- The Bills defense struggled to contain Josh Allen, but the Broncos were able to capitalize on a fumble by James Cook to gain possession
- Bo Nix led a crucial drive for the Broncos, culminating in a touchdown pass to Frank Crum
- The Broncos defense continued to struggle, allowing the Bills to tie the game with a field goal
- The Broncos scored a touchdown before halftime, with Bo Nix finding Lil’Jordan Humphrey for the score
- The Broncos added a field goal with two seconds left in the half to take a two-score lead
Introduction to the Second Quarter
The Denver Broncos got the ball to start the second quarter, looking to build on their momentum from the first quarter. However, they avoided disaster on the final play of the first quarter with a fumble by RJ Harvey, which was picked up by Bo Nix and thrown for an incompletion. As the article states, "That would set the tone for a three-and-out for the Broncos to give the ball right back to a hot Josh Allen and Buffalo Bills offense." This was a crucial moment in the game, as the Broncos were able to avoid a potentially disastrous turnover and give their defense a chance to regroup.
The Bills’ Offense
The Bills defense was running it down the Broncos’ throats, and Josh Allen was leading the charge. The Bills quickly got into field goal range, but a fumble by James Cook after a huge hit by Alex Singleton gave the ball back to the Broncos. As the article notes, "James Cooked would fumble after a huge hit by Alex Singleton to jar the football loose to give it right back to Denver." This was a significant turnover, as it gave the Broncos a chance to capitalize on the Bills’ mistake and gain some momentum.
The Broncos’ Response
The Broncos responded to the turnover with a strong drive, led by Bo Nix. Jaleel McLaughlin ripped off a 13-yard gain on the first play, and Nix followed it up with a deep ball to Marvin Mims Jr. for a 27-yard gain into the red zone. As the article states, "Bo Nix fired a deep ball to Marvin Mims Jr. for a 27-yard gain into the red zone." This was a crucial play, as it put the Broncos in position to score and take the lead.
The Broncos’ Defense
The Broncos defense continued to struggle, allowing the Bills to tie the game with a field goal. The defense was unable to contain Josh Allen, and the Bills were able to move the ball easily. As the article notes, "The Broncos defense continued to struggle to stop the run and in the passing game couldn’t cover those running backs either. Tight ends too got into the mix on that drive." This was a concern for the Broncos, as they were unable to stop the Bills’ offense and were forced to rely on their own offense to score.
The Broncos’ Crucial Drive
With just over two minutes to go, the Broncos needed to score before halftime since the Bills would get the ball to start the second half. Bo Nix led a crucial drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey with just 22 seconds left in the half. As the article states, "Nix lofted a pass to a wide open Lil’Jordan Humphrey for the redemption touchdown with just 22 seconds left in the half." This was a massive drive for the Broncos, as it gave them a much-needed score and momentum heading into the second half.
The Final Minutes of the Half
The Bills tried to make a play before halftime, but Josh Allen fumbled the ball on a scramble to give the Broncos a 50-yard field goal attempt. Wil Lutz nailed the field goal with two seconds left in the half to put Denver up by two scores. As the article notes, "Josh Allen tried to make a play before halftime, but fumbled the ball on a scramble to give the Broncos a 50-yard field goal attempt that Wil Lutz nailed with two seconds left in the half to put Denver up by two scores." This was a significant moment in the game, as it gave the Broncos a two-score lead and momentum heading into the second half.
https://www.milehighreport.com/denver-broncos-nfl-playoffs/169832/broncos-vs-bills-second-quarter-recap