In a Monday Night Football showdown, the Buffalo Bills faced a challenging defeat against the Denver Broncos, concluding with a final score of 24-22. The Bills encountered a setback with four turnovers, ultimately leading to the Broncos securing the win in the last moments of the game.
Despite a go-ahead touchdown that granted the Bills a one-point lead with less than 90 seconds remaining, a crucial pass interference penalty called against Taron Johnson paved the way for the Broncos to secure victory through a game-winning field goal.
Although Broncos kicker Wil Lutz initially missed the decisive attempt, a penalty against the Bills for fielding 12 players on defense provided Lutz with a second opportunity, which he successfully capitalized on. This turn of events led to the Bills’ fall to a 5-5 record for the season, dropping them to the 10th position in the AFC standings.
Josh Allen demonstrated a mixed performance, throwing for 177 yards and a touchdown while also contributing a rushing score. However, his three turnovers, including a fumble and two interceptions, proved costly for the Bills.
Despite the challenges, James Cook managed to accumulate 120 total yards, recovering from two fumbles, one of which set up the Bills’ final touchdown. The Bills struggled offensively in the first half, facing a 15-8 deficit at halftime due to three turnovers that nullified positive plays.
The Bills’ defense, led by A.J. Epenesa with two sacks and three quarterback hits, created opportunities for their team. Taron Johnson’s forced fumble in the third quarter, recovered by Rasul Douglas, marked a pivotal moment. Latavius Murray capitalized on this turnover with a touchdown run, adding to the intensity of the game.
The Bills, after trading punts, engaged in a touchdown drive led by Russell Wilson, consuming over seven minutes of playtime. Despite the Bills responding with a touchdown drive of their own, the Broncos capitalized on the clock to set up a successful field goal attempt.
Highmark Stadium experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as Lutz’s initial missed attempt triggered cheers, only to turn into stunned silence after the Bills were penalized.
Looking ahead, the Bills will host the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium next Sunday at 4:25 p.m.
Key Stats and Facts to Know:
- Josh Allen’s first-quarter interception extended his streak to six consecutive games with an interception, a career-long.
- Monday marked the 18th consecutive game in which Allen threw a touchdown pass, tying Jim Kelly’s club record from 1986-87.
- Taylor Rapp and Rasul Douglas played every defensive snap for the first time in their Bills careers.
- The Bills’ Monday game marked their third consecutive primetime appearance and their fifth of the season, leading the NFL.
- Despite a strong ground game with 192 rushing yards, the Bills’ loss to the Broncos marked their first defeat in 2023 when rushing for over 100 yards.