Buffalo became the first team to advance to the Divisional Round after their victory over Indianapolis
The Buffalo Bills became the first team to advance to the Divisional Round, joining the American Conference No. 1, the Kansas City Chiefs., after dramatically beating the Indianapolis Colts 27-24.
Buffalo took the lead in the second half and didn’t return, against a Colts who had to row upstream and try a Hail Mary in the closing seconds, but the miracle never happened.
This was the first playoff win for the Bills since 1995, beating the Miami Dolphins 37-22 in the Wild Card Round, also play like locals.
But what were the lessons we learned in this game?
IMPORTANT MOMENT
With 1:52 left to play, the Colts decided to take a shot at fourth and score a goal at the Bills’ 4-yard line to extend their lead to 17-7, but Philip’s pass Rivers to Michael Pittman Jr. was incomplete and they eventually lost. ball possession on the field of play. In the ensuing series, the Bills ran all over the field for Josh Allen’s touchdown that temporarily lifted the score 14-10 in favor of Buffalo, who didn’t lose the lead again. Indianapolis was within reach to attempt a short field goal and if it had succeeded those 3 points could have turned the tide of the game.
MAIN ROLE
Gabriel Davis. After stopping the Colts before the end of the first half, the Bills scoured the field to turn the score and the wide receiver was crucial in that drive, catching Josh Allen’s two passes on the wing for a win of 37 and 19. yards, respectively, to get into Indianapolis 33, easing the work for Allen, who scored on a carry a few plays later.
MAIN STATISTICS
Josh Allen’s 379 total yards. The Bills quarterback completed 26 of the 35 passes for 324 yards and two touchdown passes, plus he had 11 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown to the ground. Devin Singletary and Zach Moss, who was injured in the second half, combined for 10 carry and 42 yards, so the hasty attack fell to the quarterback’s legs. Through the air, Stefon Diggs was his weapon of choice with six catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.
WHAT NOW
Buffalo has to wait for results to meet its next opponent, although they cannot take on the Chiefs or the Cleveland Browns, in the case of winning.
The road is more complicated for the Colts as they have to decide what to do with their quarterback position. It is true that Philip Rivers has had a solid season, but he’s already 39 years old and certainly not the future, although he can still get a short contract while they develop a young quarterback or bet on someone else in free agency or with a trade. It’s going to be a hectic low season in Indianapolis.