The Buffalo Bills were fantastic in defense last season. They were second in the NFL on allowed points and third on allowed yards. Most of that unit returned in 2020.
The results were not the same. Bills fell to the middle of the field in defense, but it didn’t really matter because Josh Allen and the attack were so good.
When Bill’s attack got caught in a windstorm for a division playoff game on Saturday night, the defense appeared.
Buffalo’s defense did a great job containing Lamar Jackson and came up with a game-changing move, a 101-yard interception return for a touchdown by Taron Johnson, in a 17-3 win. The weather hampered both offensives and it was the Bill’s defense that took control of the game. They destroyed an attack by the Ravens that had been on fire during the last month of the regular season.
Bills had a great season and will play in the AFC Championship for the first time since defeating Joe Montana and the Kansas City Chiefs at the end of the 1993 season. The defense game on Saturday night should give Bills Mafia hope that the next Sunday will not be his last game this season.
The defense of accounts has a great night
Buffalo wouldn’t change his offensive plan just because of a light wind. They trust Allen too much to minimize him, no matter the conditions.
Bill’s offensive game plan was surprising at its end. They did not declare a race play until 3:05 am at the end of the first half, and gave 19 passes and a run in the first 30 minutes. The Bills are passing the ball better, the Ravens are very good against the race, but even so it was remarkable to see a team in a playoff game or try to escape. Especially with strong winds. The game was tied at 3-3 at halftime.
But Bills kept the plan. It paid off in the third quarter with a beautiful drive and a short touchdown pass for Stefon Diggs. The Ravens responded with a long journey of their own, but then Bills played the game.
Jackson passed the third into the goal and did not see Taron Johnson cheating in his zone while watching Jackson’s eyes. Johnson was there to pick up Jackson and took him back 101 yards for a touchdown, leveling with George Teague for the longest return interception record in NFL postseason history.
Instead of the Ravens drawing the game or at least trying a short field goal to diminish Buffalo’s advantage to 10-6, Bills led by 17-3. Buffalo’s attack didn’t have much impact on Saturday night, but the defense made sure it didn’t matter.
Lamar Jackson suffers a concussion
On the path after the interception, the Ravens’ chances of victory disappeared. There was a bad shotgun blast, Jackson chased him and when he was throwing him out, he was hit hard and his head hit the grass. Jackson was diagnosed with a concussion and, without Jackson, the Ravens would not return.
Jackson had a difficult night before that success. The Bills did a great job of being disciplined in their passing race and not letting Jackson break control. When Jackson tried to run, they made sure to hit him hard. Jackson never loosened up for long runs and also failed to sustain many leg thrusts in shorter runs. Jackson did not play so badly given the conditions, but his big mistake shattered the Ravens’ hopes.
The Bills can host the AFC championship game next weekend if the Cleveland Browns beat Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. If the Chiefs win, the Bills will face Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City with a Super Bowl spot in play. The Bills haven’t been to the Super Bowl since Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed and those big 90s Buffalo teams lost their fourth consecutive Super Bowl.
If they are the bosses in the next round, it will be a difficult task. But the Bills should feel even more confident after what they saw of their defense on Saturday night, no matter who plays next.
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