Just when the Denver Broncos had every reason to start celebrating their impressive divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night, head coach Sean Payton delivered the shocking and crushing news: Bo Nix was injured.
Not only did he reveal that Nix was injured, but specifically, the Broncos announced that they were going to have to play in the AFC Championship game without their star quarterback because he'd broken a foot. His season was declared over in that moment, meaning that even if Denver was somehow able to win the next game—against the Houston Texans or New England Patriots, who play each other on Sunday—Nix still would not be back in time to play in Super Bowl LX.
Suddenly, the momentum felt by everyone at Mile High came to a screeching halt.
Denver’s Super Bowl momentum came to a sudden halt after Bo Nix’s season-ending foot injury
Nix played a very impressive game against Denver and kept up with Josh Allen in a postseason showdown that elevated the Broncos quarterback in the conversation for which QBs deserve the most respect. He threw three touchdown passes and had 279 yards passing with another 29 rushing yards, and any team would be pleased to score 33 points in the playoffs.
Now, however, the mood turns somber and the attention shifts to Jarrett Stidham. If there's any good news here, it's that Stidham has three years of experience in Denver, so he's well-versed in the offense, and Payton obviously feels comfortable with what he brings to the table. The Broncos also rely heavily on a stout defense anchored by a truly great pass rush and a loaded secondary. Bo Nix was never going to have to play hero for the Broncos. That said, Denver already gave up 30 to the Bills and the pressure will be even greater knowing their offense will be limited.
The chapter has yet to be finished on this year's Denver Broncos, but it's a tragic turn for a team that had every reason to uncork the champagne bottles as they await their next opponent. Instead, they have to focus on making the necessary adjustments to overcome some brutal injury news just as they were starting to see a potential Super Bowl appearance coming into view.