For the first time in nearly a decade, the Denver Broncos won a playoff game. The euphoria was short-lived, however, as Sean Payton soon announced that quarterback Bo Nix had fractured his ankle on the second-to-last play and would miss the remainder of the season. While the news was devastating, all hope is not lost, as the team’s performance against the Buffalo Bills offered plenty of reasons for optimism. Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its Divisional Round grades, highlighting the best and worst individual performances.
Offense
Best Players
WR Pat Bryant: 93.7 OT Garett Bolles: 86.5 QB Bo Nix: 80.1 WR Marvin Mims Jr: 79.4 OL Frank Crum: 75.6Given the devastating nature of Nix’s season-ending injury, it was encouraging to see him finish his final game with such a strong grade. Two of his touchdown recipients also earned spots on this list. Crum hauled in a surprising seven-yard score — which, according to him, was his first at any level — while Mims Jr. added an impressive 26-yard touchdown with just 1:01 remaining.
Worst Players
RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 41.5 TE Evan Engram: 50.3 WR Troy Franklin: 53.1 TE Nate Adkins: 53.8 WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 54.8Humphrey opened the game with a costly end-zone drop on Denver’s first drive, forcing the Broncos to settle for a field goal. His struggles continued throughout the contest, as he finished with just two receptions on five targets. However, he redeemed himself by hauling in a 29-yard touchdown in the second quarter that gave Denver the lead.
Defense
Best Players
DB Devon Key: 90.0 OLB Nik Bonitto: 86.2 DL Malcolm Roach: 80.1 CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 79.2 DL Zach Allen: 76.2While the Broncos’ defense has earned plenty of praise this season, the primary criticism has been its lack of turnovers. That narrative flipped against the Bills, as Bonitto forced two fumbles, Alex Singleton (62.4) forced another, P.J. Locke (75.5) recorded two forced fumbles and an interception, and McMillian sealed the game with a clutch overtime interception.
Worst Players
LB Justin Strnad: 30.1 CB Jahdae Barron: 32.9 OLB Jonathon Cooper: 37.4 DB Talanoa Hufanga: 41.1 CB Kris Abrams-Draine: 44.2According to PFF, Hufanga finished the game with 10 total tackles and one pressure. Unfortunately, his grade took a hit as he was credited with three missed tackles and allowed three receptions on four targets. PFF also charged him with giving up a 14-yard touchdown to Dalton Kincaid in the fourth quarter.
Special Teams
ST JL Skinner: 77.2 LS Mitchell Fraboni: 65.1 KR Marvin Mims Jr.: 59.1 P Jeremy Crawshaw: 59.4 K Wil Lutz: 69.3 (FG) 60.0 (KO)Sean Payton called Crawshaw’s punt in overtime, “Probably the best punt in his career.” The 55-yarder set Denver up to eventually inherit amazing field position and secure the win.
For the first time all season, Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback as the Broncos will play for the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. They will face the New England Patriots in the Conference Championship at home with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. MST.
PFF Divisional Round grades: Broncos one step closer to Super Bowl despite Nix injury Mile High Sports.
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