Buffalo Rumblings
A narrow victory is still a victory
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 had dropped two in a row to fall to 3-2. Next on the docket was the annual trip to New Jersey to take on the Jets, who sat at 2-3. A third loss would have felt catastrophic, especially considering this would have put the Jets effectively ahead of Buffalo in the division.
A fairly even start in the first quarter was room for some unease, but Buffalo started to pull ahead in the second. That is, until a defensive lapse allowed a quick score to close the half and put the Jets down by just three. Both defenses clamped down in the second half allowing a field goal each. It wasn’t pretty but it was a win.
The Jets were down by 10 and time had nearly expired in the first half. Even worse for Gang Green, Buffalo would get the ball to start the second half. Things were close to the tipping point for a rout. With over half the field to go, the Bills let the Hail Mary succeed and kept this game close.
The game was ultimately decided by three points and Buffalo lucked out a bit in this one. While Tyler Bass missed a field goal from 47 yards, Greg Zuerlein missed two. The second one was from 43-yards out, but I made a GIF for this one that was missed from 32 yards. Making either one could have changed the entire game.
If it weren’t for the Hail Mary being allowed, objectively the defense had a very good game. With the Jets down by only three, the Bills’ defense forced 3rd & Long from the Jets’ side of the field. Creating a situation where a desperate heave was necessary, Bills fans rightfully held their breath (see Play 1). It’s possible this would have been complete if not for Taron Johnson, though admittedly it would have been highlight-reel quality.
With Bills Mafia seeing VERY recently how a small amount of time and one chance at a score could bite the team in the rear, the last thing anyone wanted was for the Jets to have one last shot with the ball. On third down late in the fourth quarter, the Jets had a lone timeout.
A stop would force a punt and give the Jets the ball...
