Buffalo Rumblings
A slow start then an avalanche of points
The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season has been written. So let’s add some “illustrations!” If you’re new to Plays That Defined, this isn’t a highlight recap, but rather a cathartic retelling of the past season, chapter by chapter.
Don’t vote for your favorite play necessarily, vote for the one that best represents that game’s narrative. I’ll recap the game to refresh your memory, but don’t feel locked in by my narrative.
The Bills were able to ward off the New York Jets to come up with their fourth win of the season. Buffalo looked to continue their winning ways against a one-win Titans team. We fans were in for an early scare, with the Titans going up 10-0 in just over a quarter of the game. Buffalo managed one score to pull within three before the break.
It must have been a hell of a halftime speech as Buffalo came out on fire. Scoring another 27 points on offense and refusing to allow the Titans to add any more to their total, what looked like an anxiety-inducing affair at first turned into a rout.
Did I mention that the Bills struggled the entire first half? Buffalo entered the half down by three, but it could have been tied game or even ahead if they managed some semblance of life on this (or another) drive. We’ve seen enough of these miracle plays succeed I imagine most of us assumed this was going to be converted. This play is a good symbol of how the magic seemed to be running dry in the first two quarters.
Holding a slim lead over Buffalo, the Titans acted like they were facing a team that could create points at a moment’s notice if things started clicking. Looking to control the game by stealing this possession, the Bills’ defense said “No thanks” and delivered their offense the ball back with less than half a field to go. To be clear, the Titans finished the game with 10 points, meaning this was closer to the standard than the exception.
In order to lead to an eventual rout, the Bills needed to start running away with it at some point. Amari Cooper’s first touchdown in a Bills uniform put Buffalo ahead of the Titans. His reaction of reeling after the catch is fitting as it symbolizes how the rest of the game went.
This late in the game, the chances of a comeback for the Titans were slim to none. At this level you don’t quit until the chances hit zero, with pride a primary motivating factor.
Instead, Christian Benford defended the pass into Damar Hamlin’s waiting arms to pry any chance away. Hamlin was down by contact right after the interception but the run...
