The Denver Broncos are back on the playoff map after clinching their first postseason berth since their Super Bowl victory in 2016. Under the leadership of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the team is riding high after daringly overwhelming the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0, securing the No. 7 seed for the upcoming playoffs. They will face off against the formidable Buffalo Bills this Sunday.
Denver's resurgence is attributed not just to its new quarterback but also to the defense, spearheaded by Vance Joseph, who is among the brightest candidates for head coaching vacancies across the NFL. Joseph's defensive unit has been instrumental throughout the season, ranking third overall and seventh for its total defense. The fact remains, as Gary Kubiak, the last Broncos coach to lead the team to playoff success, notes: "Defense gives you a chance to win every week. So I’m just a big fan of what they’re doing."
This sentiment is shared by Broncos coach Sean Payton, who praised Joseph for his calm demeanor and ability to motivate players, saying, "He’s smart. He’s a great communicator. His players play extremely hard for him." Such leadership qualities were evident as the team prepared for their playoff matchup against the Bills and their star quarterback, Josh Allen, who has been having an MVP-caliber season.
Allen, who threw for 3,731 yards with 28 touchdowns coupled with 12 rushing touchdowns, is seen as one of the biggest threats the Broncos will face. Payton acknowledges the challenge, stating, "Obviously, there are a lot of challenges. He does a good job with plays broken down." Enabling the defensive line to step up will be key; they recorded 63 sacks this season, leading the NFL and surpassing records set by previous seasons.
Looking back, the Broncos have had some sharp outings this year, having previously shut down notable quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rodgers. Even though they fell short against top-tier quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, the team managed to finish the regular season strong. Zach Allen, echoing the sentiments about Allen’s capabilities said, "Josh is playing as well as any quarterback and definitely presents a challenge with both his running ability and arm strength."
The buzz around the team also revolves around Vance Joseph's potential return to head coaching. Recently, the New York Jets and Chicago Bears have shown interest, and Joseph has received permission to interview for their vacant positions. This creates both excitement for Joseph and potential distractions as they head to Buffalo.
"It’s a great sign, No. 1, for Vance," Payton stated, remaining confident it wouldn't disrupt their playoff focus. Instead, the focus remains on solid preparations for the playoffs, setting reassuring words from the players: "We’re not finished yet. The job’s not done," remarked cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who is also garnering recognition this season as one of the top defensive players.
While the Broncos’ playoff run suddenly positions them as underdogs, they are reminded of their previous successes and the defensive prowess Joseph has instilled within the ranks. Their success has come through unity and hard work, feeding off the momentum built through the regular season. The upcoming game against the Bills, considered Super Bowl contenders, is not just another playoff game for Denver; it’s about proving their worth amid skepticism following years of mediocrity since Manning’s departure. "We want to show the world, we're here to compete," added Zach Allen.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Broncos as they prepare to face the Bills. They aim not only to impact the playoffs but to establish themselves once again as serious contenders. Whether they succeed or falter lies heavily on their defensive capabilities and Nix’s performance—the blend will be the key as they march toward what they hope to be the start of something truly special.