The Broncos‘ overtime loss to the Bengals is turning out to be a whirlwind of controversy. Head coach Sean Payton’s decision to not go for two points left fans and analysts buzzing. And the HC has now expressed concern over the team’s performance.

Payton raised questions about the team’s possession moving into the halfway mark. “The time of possession was concerning at halftime,” he explained, adding, “Offensively, we knew we had to help them out.” In the first half, the Broncos struggled to maintain possession, which hindered their ability to sustain offensive drives. As the Bengals methodically moved the ball and controlled the clock, the Broncos offense couldn’t keep up, leading to defensive fatigue. But what does this mean for Denver now?

The loss now forces Denver into a must-win scenario in Week 18 against the Chiefs. Yet, many wonder if trusting the offense would’ve been the bolder, smarter choice in Cincinnati. The decision’s timing was just as debated. Nix had just connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for a dazzling 25-yard touchdown, capping off a gutsy fourth-down play.

With the momentum firmly in Denver’s hands, kicking the extra point left fans scratching their heads. The tie would have ensured playoff chances, but now the Broncos’ fate is on a knife’s edge. Payton argued the tie made strategic sense. “We knew a tie was just as beneficial as a win,” he said, justifying the conservative approach. Despite this, Denver’s lackluster overtime performance (two three-and-outs) only fueled criticism of the missed opportunity to seal the deal in regulation.

It felt like a moment that could define their playoff fate. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix even flashed two fingers for the offense to stay on the field, but the conservative approach prevailed.

Bo Nix’s “emotional” take on decision-making

After the game, Bo Nix shared his candid perspective. “I have no decision-making,” Nix said. He admitted that if it were up to him, emotions would have guided his choices. “Glad, I don’t make the decisions for our team, cause I would go off straight emotion and what I want to do.” However, his honesty about potentially deferring to the coaching staff revealed the weight of such critical moments on young players.

Nix’s inexperience showed in overtime, where he couldn’t sustain drives despite multiple chances. Yet his fourth-quarter touchdown to Mims highlighted his potential under pressure. For a rookie, navigating these moments is part of the learning curve, and his emotional candor won him some fans. On the other side of things, the Broncos’ defensive efforts made the stakes even higher.

They rattled Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with seven sacks, including a standout 3.5 from Zach Allen. Bengals HC Zac Taylor later mentioned that “nothing was easy” for Cincinnati’s offense when facing Denver’s defense. Still, Burrow’s resilience shone as he engineered a game-winning drive to hand Denver their second straight heartbreak. While Payton’s strategy and Nix’s inexperience raised questions about leadership dynamics.

As the playoff hopes are on the line, the Broncos need synergy between coach and quarterback. “We’ve got to turn ourselves into winners,” said right tackle Mike McGlinchey. “And we’ve got to make sure that, when we control the outcome of certain things, that we finish,” pointing to a team-wide responsibility.

Now, Denver faces a daunting Week 18 matchup against the Chiefs. And, the choice is simple—win or risk relying on outside help to reach the postseason. For Payton and Nix, this is a defining moment in a season filled with highs and lows. And if the Broncos want to break their playoff drought, they’ll need to take bold risks and make them count.