Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons: Week 17 report card

Special Teams

For the second straight week, Matt Haack did not have to take the field to punt. This is the first time since 2004 that a team has not had to punt in consecutive games when the Pittsburgh Steelers accomplished that.

As for Tyler Bass, he was not asked to attempt any field goal attempts but made all three extra-point attempts, including one that hit the upright but bounced in.

While the Bills have been able to correct a number of issues over the season, the return role is one that is still one that is a concern. Marquez Stevenson fumbled the first punt return of the game, which the Bills recovered but in the end zone and it resulted in a safety.

These turnovers on kickoffs or punts can be huge momentum swings and it will be interesting to see if the coaching staff makes a change here. On a week where Haack wasn’t asked to punt, Bass only kicked extra points, this turnover carries more weight in terms of the grade.

Grade: C-

Buffalo Bills Team Grade for Week 17

The second quarter was ugly for the Buffalo Bills as they gave up 13 consecutive points and saw their double-digit lead disappear. However, in the second half they bounced back thanks to a dominant defensive performance and a run game that shouldered the load for the offense.

The turnovers are certainly a concern and it is rare for a team to turn the ball over four times and win by double digits. The Buffalo Bills will need to correct this but at the end of the day was able to correct the mistakes and come away with a big win and clinch their third straight playoff berth.

Grade: A-