On Sunday, November 30, the Buffalo Bills bounced back against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a solid 26-7 win. On a cold, windy day in Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Bills fans were definitely treated to a good performance, especially in the second half.
While quarterback Josh Allen reached another career milestone, passing former NFL quarterback Cam Newton (previously 75) with 76 career rushing touchdowns, this was the game he needed to do so to keep the Buffalo Bills alive in the playoff picture. While Allen was doing his job well, let's look at four key players who stepped up in a must-win game for the team.
4 Bills players who came through to win in an interconference matchup vs. Steelers
1. CB Christian Benford
Cornerback Christian Benford really stepped it up in the third quarter, starting with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. It started with a strip sack by defensive end Joey Bosa, with the cornerback then scooping it up and running it back to the endzone for six.
Benford wasn't done there as he also forced a pick to collect two turnovers in just one quarter. In addition, that scoop and score fumble was Benford's first touchdown as an NFL corner.
2. CB Tre'Davious White
Cornerback Tre White was also all over the field in covering the Steelers' receivers. The 30-year-old kept his youthful energy and passion, causing two pass deflections while preventing the Steelers offense from finding the end zone.
Since his return to Orchard Park, White has enjoyed his play on the field since suffering a season-ending Achilles tear back in 2023.
3. OT Alec Anderson
With starting tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown out this week with injuries, Offensive tackle Alec Anderson had no problem stepping in and protecting Allen's blindside. Usually a swing tackle, Anderson plays with a mean streak that allows him to be a physical pass blocker and move players away from him like a sled pull.
With very little depth on the O-line this season, Anderson is a guy you can count on to come in and work hard to earn his place on the starting offensive line. The only blemish he had was two early false-start penalties, but overall, he did a very nice job given the circumstances.
4. OT Ryan Van Demark
Offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark is another swing tackle who's been on the team for a while now. For most of his career, he's been the player who's always been ready to play when his name is called.
Sunday was no different as he, too, did a great job protecting the right side of the line, filling in for offensive tackle Spencer Brown. It was nice to see both Van Demark and Anderson earn Allen's praise when he gave them a celebratory hug after the win, and for not missing a beat while protecting their quarterback.