The Buffalo Bills needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and they did just that against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the win was more hard-fought than anyone expected as the Bills needed a Tyler Bass in the final minute to secure a 24-22 victory.
These are some of the initial reactions from the Buffalo Bills Week 16 performance against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Buffalo Bills make the surprising choice to have Leonard Fournette return kicks
The Buffalo Bills had Leonard Fournette active for the first time this season after elevating him from the practice squad. The Bills had Fournette available because Ty Johnson was inactive due to a shoulder injury.
The team didn't waste any time getting him on the field as he would be the returner for the opening kickoff. It was surprising to see Fournette back there because he has never returned a kickoff in his NFL career. In fact, he had only four special team snaps in his career prior to that.
However, during the broadcast Mike Tirico did mention that Fournette offered to the coaching staff to return kicks and certainly was a factor in the decision tonight.
The Chargers rightfully tested Fournette on the next kickoff by kicking a squib kick to force him try to field the kick. The move didn't really hurt the team in this game but Fournette's time as a returner should be over.