Nice to read the comments of the fight of 26th VG on the approach to Bastogne. The German Corps commander, von Luettwitz, is in a quandry. He can use Panzer Lehr and 2nd Panzer to assist 26th VG in attempt to crash the defenses of Bastogne before they have firmed up, but doing so will cost him precious time. Given the pressures to get to the Meuse, he tells 2nd Panzer to press on to the west from Noville. Panzer Lehr is given the same order to pass around Bastogne to the south. 26th VG, having already hacked it’s way through the 110th regiment of 28th Infantry Division, is not strong enough to take Bastogne by itself.
2nd Panzer will farther than any other German unit, but Bastogne will not fall.
I've long wondered, and in fact have been counting on these threads to explain, why this mighty German invading force couldn't overcome lightly-defended Bastogne, and I think you've distilled the answer for me.