Broncos report card: No drama, just glowing grades as rookie QB Bo Nix and Denver advance to AFC Wild Card round

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OFFENSE — ONE

Sean Payton had Denver’s offense ready to go from the start. He had a nifty fake backhand up his sleeve and deployed it perfectly as soon as the Broncos moved solidly into Chiefs territory. Bo Nix started hot and stayed that way for the entire first half, enough time to build a comfortable lead against a Kansas City team that seemed to have turned its attention to the divisional weekend before even landing in the Colorado. But hey, there’s no reason to apologize for racking up 18 first downs in the first 30 minutes or give the crowd a reason to celebrate rather than dismay.

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DEFENSE — A

Vance Joseph’s group has been a little fragile throughout the season. But there was no way they were going to let Carson Wentz keep them out of the playoffs. Denver’s defense was buzzing from the start.

No matter how this season ends, this group will deserve to be appreciated. They racked up a ridiculous 63 sacks, a franchise record and the most in the NFL this season, by far. This one came up against backups, of course, but the Broncos defense closed out the regular season with a dominant performance. They recorded the team’s first shutout victory since a 26-0 Week 3 victory over the New York Jets in 2021 for good measure and held Kansas City to 98 total yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS — A

Why not? It was a day of light work for all of the special teams units. Wil Lutz had another flawless outing hitting the ball and made his 31st field goal of the season, tying a franchise record. What’s more impressive: It’s safe to say that Lutz actually only missed one kick he should have had this year. It was the fourth quarter in the rain against the New York Jets. Otherwise, he missed a 60-yard try late in the half earlier in the year and saw the kick blocked in Kansas City in Week 10. Really consistent stuff.

COACHING — ONE

The Broncos could have easily played tight. They had missed their first two opportunities to clinch a spot and both games featured clock management decisions by Payton that were heavily criticized.

This team hasn’t been to the playoffs in a long time and undoubtedly felt the pressure to get the job done at home against the Chiefs.

But if they felt pressure, they certainly didn’t show it. In fact, they played like they thrived there. All three units were sharp from the start and Denver gave Kansas City’s second lines no reason to think they had a chance to pull off an upset.

It’s a completely different challenge in Buffalo next weekend. But the Broncos are playing in the Wild Card round. And that’s quite an accomplishment in itself.

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