REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECORD: Thanks to their AFL-era domination, the Bills lead 17-15-1, and actually have a winning record (6-4-1) in Denver. However, the Broncos have won the last five games, including Buffalo’s only previous visit to Invesco Field (which opened in 2001).
With the clock ticking toward zero, the Broncos’ kicking team scrambled onto the field to attempt a game-winning 42-yard field goal. Jason Elam couldn’t possibly have time to get the kick off, could he? Answer: yes, as the Bills fans counted down the final seconds in disbelief.
The last-play loss stung, to be sure. But after the game, the Bills players and fans were concerned with the outcome of a different battle, this one far more serious. After a collision on the second-half kickoff left him motionless on the Ralph Wilson Stadium turf with a cervical spine fracture, tight end Kevin Everett was fighting for his life in a Buffalo hospital.
As we now know, Everett not only survived, but has made a remarkable recovery from his injury.
Late in the first quarter, DT Chester McGlockton returned a Travis Henry fumble 24 yards for the first score of the game. Denver made it 14-0 on a one-yard Clinton Portis touchdown run the next time they had the ball, and Buffalo never managed to catch up despite Drew Bledsoe’s touchdown passes to Josh Reed and Eric Moulds. Portis, in for injured starter Olandis Gary, recorded the first 100-yard game of his career as the Broncos outrushed the Bills 163 - 49.