The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos played a rather ugly contest in Week 10–swinging back and forth (or something like that).
In the end, the Bills (5-5) did themselves no favors in their quest to return to the postseason as mistakes led to an extremely disappointing 24-22 loss.
Buffalo is now firmly not in the AFC postseason picture–In fact, their on the brink of not being in it at all and the Broncos (4-5) are close to surpassing them.
Denver led for most of the game, but with only seconds left, the Bills took the lead. Then… an all-time disappointment.
Following the defeat, here are five takeaways from the Bills’ loss to the Broncos on Monday Night Football:
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The Bills did not lead in the game until the 1:55 mark on the scoreboard. However, the overlying situation with Buffalo’s offense is the ugly side it has. It’s starting to overshadow anything good like tight end Dalton Kincaid’s touchdown catch.
Quarterback Josh Allen gave the ball away three times. After two interceptions, he now leads the NFL in interceptions with 11. On top of the fumble Allen had, running back James Cook had another on the first play of the game which set the tone.
No team in the NFL this season has won after turning it over four-plus times.
Those mistakes cannot continue… but they do.
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Cook deserves praise. He was the MVP of the Bills offense. After he had a fumble on that first play, Cook was benched.
After returning, he had 12 carries for 109 yards rushing. Cook added two catches as well.
But even with Cook’s huge numbers, he still had a worrisome effort. Cook had a second fumble which luckily bounced right back into his arms.
While we’re on Cook, fellow Latavius Murray did his part while Cook was benched. Murray had 68 yards on nine carries.
But Cook pretty much sums up the kind of game… and season… the Bills have had.
(Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Those calling for offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey to be more balanced? You got your wish… and may have had a point.
Buffalo ran 26 passing plays and Allen had another four carries. In total, the Bills’ backfield ran the ball 22 timers with Cook getting a team-high 12 total.
In the end, Buffalo should have had the win as their offense did enough even with all their mistakes. But speaking of those…
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Looking at the whole picture, the Bills defense did make some stops against the Broncos. Buffalo held Denver to several field goals, forced five punts, and cornerback Taron Johnson knocked loose a fumble.
But the mistakes cost them the game.
The obvious: 12 men on the field. That’s inexcusable. Calls for someone to be fired immediately rang out after the game ended.
But how about the touchdown catch Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton had? Granted, heck of a play. Kudos to him. How doesn’t anyone push him out or break up a prayer of a pass from Denver’s Russell Wilson?
Mistakes cost the Bills… a loss and maybe the playoffs.
(Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Bills are a .500 football team or worse this late in the season for the first time since 2018. That was Allen’s rookie year… which was the last time Buffalo did not make the playoffs.
Now at 5-5 overall and 2-5 against the AFC… the Bills are just about out of the postseason entirely.
Between this and those mistakes, head coach Sean McDermott doesn’t look too good right now.
It might be safe to making your January plans now.
