Getty
Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoff.
Bo Nix’s season is over due to a broken ankle, believed to have been ended on the third-to-last play in the Denver Broncos’ 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, but the NFL could have more to say regarding the second-year QB.
Nix gutted it out the rest of the way, and the Broncos will advance, while the QB was also on the right side of what could be multiple significant decisions by the league in the coming days.
None of that replaces what he brought under center, but something figures to be done.
Bills’ Joey Bosa Could Draw NFL’s Ire After Hit on Broncos’ Bo Nix
GettyJoey Bosa #97 of the Buffalo Bills looks on against the New England Patriots.
During the overtime period, Bills defensive end Joey Bosa was called for roughing the passer, hitting Nix after the Broncos’ QB had attempted a pass to Courtland Sutton that fell to the ground incomplete.
The infraction drew a flag, carrying a 15-yard penalty and giving the offense a fresh set of downs. Denver declined.
Instead, they accepted a 17-yard pass interference on Taron Johnson against Courtland Sutton.
However, that would not stop the NFL from stepping in. According to the NFL’s Accountability: Fines & Appeals website, roughing the passer calls can result in fines up to $17,389 for first-time offenses and as much as $23,186 on infractions committed after that.
Bosa is indeed a repeat offender. He received the smaller version of the fine for roughing Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield in Week 11 during the regular season.
He was docked $12,172 for striking/kicking/kneeing in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
The Broncos were careful enough, winning the battle in a lightly penalized game. There were eight total, with three called on the Broncos, and none of them figure to draw additional attention from the NFL in the coming days.
That is of little relief, given the Broncos’ situation following Nix’s season-ending injury. Moreover, the NFL has used discretion before, opting against fining players for infractions.
Tre’Davious White Could Also Hear From League
GettyTre’davious White #27 of the Buffalo Bills interferes with a pass intended for Marvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos during overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Three plays after Bosa’s latest incident, and after Nix kneeled down to set up the Broncos’ game-winning field goal by Wil Lutz, Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
He had committed pass interference one play earlier on Marvin Mims and was still upset.
White slammed his helmet to the ground after expressing some words of frustration to the official. The flag came out after the action.
It did not appear as though White made contact with the official. That act can carry fines as high as $81,374. The league could still choose to suspend White next season in retroactive action since the Bills’ season is over.
Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw was suspended one game for his language toward an official.
That was following a Week 7 Broncos win over the New York Giants. It is part of a long-standing precedent by the NFL to punish players over language used during games.
The story will play out for White this offseason. Meanwhile, the Broncos will trudge forward into the AFC Championship Game with their franchise quarterback, Nix, reduced to a spectator. His backup, Jarrett Stidham, takes over as QB1.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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