The Buffalo Bills squeaked out a bounce-back win over the LA Rams, 37-34 in overtime at SoFi Stadium. It didn't come easy, as both teams traded blows like a 15-round heavyweight boxing title match.
Even the overtime period had some early drama, as after Khalil Shakir was tripped up on the Bills' first possession and failed to score the go-ahead touchdown, James Cook fumbled once again, and it looked like it would cost the team the victory. Just like in your heavyweight boxing match, if you get knocked down, you must get back up and finish the match.
Let's take a look at three lessons we learned that helped the Bills finally win in overtime.
3 key takeaways to help Bills beat Rams in Week 5
1.) Special teams can flip game one way or another
From the first quarter on, it was clear that the Bills wanted to win this game with their special teams, as Ray Davis returned a 70-yard kickoff that resulted in a field goal, putting the Bills up 3-0.
In overtime, after Cook's fumble set up a potential game-winning kick for the Rams, Greg Rousseau used his 6-foot-6, 266-pound body to block the kick, giving the Bills a chance to go on to win the game with either a field goal or a touchdown.
The Rams have continued their costly habit, being blocked on only two walk-off FG attempts in the last two seasons, both against them.
2.) Josh Allen's guidance and direction
Josh Allen finally earned his first overtime win after starting 0-7, counting the postseason. He took matters into his own hands in the fourth quarter, rushing twice for 32 yards, which led to Tyler Bass's 45-yard walk-off field goal.
The resilient quarterback's ability to stay calm and poised in front of a hostile road crowd was key to his clutch performance after he threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter last week against New England, in which they lost, 29-26.
3.) The Bills' recovery and adaptability
The Bills have been in these close games all season long, and it looked like after Cook fumbled on the Bills' opening overtime possession, that they'd lose their second close game in a row. But they were able to put the ball down and come away with a walk-off field goal by Tyler Bass to win this close one, 37-34, after Greg Rousseau blocked Harrison Mevis and the Rams' potential game-winner.
The bottom line is that head coach Joe Brady's meaning of "put the ball down" doesn't necessarily mean every win has to be a blowout; it just means to play with a gritty and tough attitude that represents the City of Buffalo and just compete every week for sixty minutes and come out on top with the win.
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