The Buffalo Bills edged past the Ravens in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup, with turnovers and two-point tries deciding the game. Josh Allen’s conservative approach was effective, but open to questioning.
What We Learned from Buffalo’s 27-25 win over the Ravens
The Bills’ conservative offensive game plan was effective but open to questioning. After falling behind 7-0, they responded well with their own TD drive, marching 70 yards on 11 plays and putting the Ravens back on their heels. However, there were very few shot plays for the Bills on the day, preferring to lean on Josh Allen – with his legs and in the short passing game – plus James Cook and the backs.
Turnovers and Two-Point Tries Decide the Game
Turnovers and two-point tries were the difference-makers in this game. The Ravens controlled long stretches of the game, including a statement drive in the second half that cut the Bills’ lead to 21-19. However, Mark Andrews’ fumble midway through the fourth quarter with a chance to take the lead was a gutting blow for Baltimore. The Bills tacked on a field goal, and Lamar Jackson responded with a clutch drive, capping it with a brilliant TD throw to Isaiah Likely.
Bills’ Linebackers Step Up
The Bills defense nearly bent too much at game’s end but made several key plays throughout the game. One big difference between the Bills’ blowout loss to the Ravens in Week 4 and Sunday’s nail-biter win was the presence of linebackers Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano. Both of them missed the first meeting, and the Bills’ run defense was gashed immediately – and consistently. On Sunday, they helped keep the Ravens’ explosive run plays in check, and they each made game-changing plays.
Ravens Will Struggle to Live this One Down
Jackson did enough to lead the Ravens to a win on Sunday, even with his mistakes. He forced an early interception and a fumble in the backfield that felt pretty unforced, leading to the Bills taking a two-possession lead at halftime. Those two he can’t take back. The rest was mostly great as Jackson played at or near his MVP level for stretches in this game. The 88-yard drive Jackson led at the end of the game should have gone in the career and franchise highlight reels.
Bills-Chiefs Will Add Another Chapter to Tremendous Rivalry
Since Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have risen to prominence, Chiefs-Bills has been just about as good a rivalry the NFL has offered in recent years. They’ll now meet for the second time in the AFC Championship Game and for the fourth time in the postseason. The Bills have won three of the past four head-to-head meetings, and they were the only team to take down the back-to-back champs at full strength this season, 30-21, in Highmark Stadium.
