I'm going to need the Buffalo Bills to start paying for my heart medication. All season, the Bills seem to play to the level of their opponent, which I guess is good for the playoffs, considering all the teams should be upper-echelon teams, right? Buffalo pulled this one out, but it wasn't pretty. The offense struggled and the special teams gave up an opening kick return for a touchdown. Fortunately, the Bills defense forced five turnovers in the first half.
Dalton Kincaid made an appearance as well, delivering a huge 51-yard reception to open the second half that led to a Josh Allen rushing touchdown. Buffalo's offense was better in the second half, but the Bills were just never able to simply put the Patriots away, winning with a final score of 27 - 21.
It's a win regardless and the Bills will now prepare to face the Miami Dolphins next weekend in a massive game that will decide the AFC East and the number two seed in the AFC playoffs. For the record, I said a few weeks ago the season was not over and pointed to the late-season pushes the Bills have gotten pretty good at, finishing the regular seasons with no less than four straight wins. Here we are now, four in a row and battling the Dolphins for the division.
Special teams continue to be an issue
The New England Patriots opened the game up with a 98-yard kickoff return, putting the Bills in an early 7 - 0 hole. This isn't the first time this season that the special teams have had breakdowns in coverage. We all remember the season opener against the New York Jets, with a 65-yard punt return in overtime.
At this point in the season, the Bills need to figure out a way to shore this up or it could be a major issue in the playoffs. All the teams are typically good and key special teams play could make the difference. Before this week's game, the Bills had 85 kickoffs and rank third in touchback percentage, with just 52.9 percent.
The Bills offense struggles again
The first half was not good for the Bills, scoring only 13 points on the five turnovers forced by Buffalo's defense. Buffalo went into the half up 20 - 14 but it should have been over by that point. The Bills had only 111 yards in the first half. The Patriots had more total yards in the second quarter alone, with 150 yards. It didn't help that the bills had several drops in that first half too.
Buffalo's offense has to get this thing figured out and the up one week and down the next isn't going to work in the playoffs. Josh Allen appeared to not be himself, with underthrows and bad decisions. When Allen plays frustrated, he forces passes downfield that often end up in the hands of the opponent. Case in point, the interception he tossed into double coverage.
Love you Dawson Knox, but it's time to let Kincaid roll
Dawson Knox was targeted on a play in the first half, that resulted from him leaving the field after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He later returned but Kincaid took over and made a few plays. Including a massive 51-yard reception, helping set up Allen for his second rushing touchdown of the game.
On Kincaid's following reception after the 51-yarder, it was his 66th reception of the season, setting a new Bills rookie record for receptions. The former record holder was Sammy Watkins, who recorded 65 catches in 2014. Kincaid finished today's game with four receptions for 87 yards on seven targets.
Massive showdown coming for the Buffalo Bills
The Miami Dolphins were completely dominated by the Baltimore Ravens, setting up a huge showdown next weekend for the AFC East title and the number two seed in the AFC playoffs. The Dolphins don't look good against top teams, other than the Cowboys, who aren't elite on the road. The game between the Bills and Dolphins will likely be flexed to a prime-time slot too.
It's going to be an exciting week for the Bills fans and X (formerly known as Twitter) will not be a safe place for the faint of heart, but I'm here for it and will be the conductor of that hype train. Buffalo gets up for the Dolphins, as does Josh Allen, so I fully expect the Bills to come away with the AFC East for the fourth straight season.
The Josh Allen for MVP talk is likely done.....until next season
Josh Allen completed only 15 passes out of 30 attempts, for 169 yards and zero touchdowns. He did add two more rushing touchdowns, bringing his season total to 15. He still leads the league with 42 total touchdowns, but Lamar Jackson went off today against the average at best, Dolphins' defense. Jackson was 18 of 21, 321 yards passing, and five touchdown passes. He also added 35 yards rushing.
This was a statement performance from Jackson and, rightfully so, should seal his second league MVP. But don't worry Bills Mafia, Buffalo has always done well against Jackson and until the Ravens prove it in the playoffs, they have shown to be a one-and-done in most seasons. Jackson has just one career post-season win. I will say this though, this may be the most talent Jackson has had around him on the offensive side of the ball.