Buffalo became the first team to advance to the divisional round after their victory over Indianapolis
Buffalo Bills became the first team to advance to the divisional round, joining No. 1 seed in the U.S. Conference, the Kansas City Chiefs., after dramatically defeating the Indianapolis Colts 27-24.
Buffalo took the lead in the second half and never came back against a Colts who had to paddle upstream and try a pass from Ave Maria in the final seconds, but the miracle never happened.
this was first playoff victory for the Bills since 1995, defeating the Miami Dolphins 37-22 in the Wild Card, also playing as locals.
But what were the lessons I learned in this game?
THE KEY MOMENT
With 1:52 of play, the Colts decided to take a chance on the fourth down and take the Bills 4-yard line to extend the lead to 17-7, however, Philip Rivers’ pass to Michael Pittman Jr. was incomplete and ended up losing. possession on the field. In the ensuing series, Bills ran over the field for Josh Allen’s touchdown that temporarily put the score at 14-10 in favor of Buffalo, who did not lose the lead again. Indianapolis were at a distance to try to score a short goal on the field and if they had succeeded, these 3 points could have turned the tide of the game.
KEY PLAYER
Gabriel Davis. After the Colts stopped before the end of the first half, Bills took the field to turn the score around and the wide receiver was crucial in that march, catching two passes from Josh Allen on the wing for a gain of 37 and 19 yards, respectively, to enter Indianapolis 33, easing Allen’s work, who scored on a carry a few games later.
KEY STATISTICS
379 meters in total by Josh Allen. Defender Bills completed 26 of 35 passes for 324 meters and two touchdown passes, plus he had 11 carries for 54 meters and a touchdown on the ground. Devin Singletary and Zach Moss, who were injured in the second half, combined for 10 transports and 42 meters, so the hasty attack fell on the defender’s feet. Through the air, Stefon Diggs was his weapon of choice, with six catches for 128 meters and a touchdown.
CE NEXT
Buffalo must wait for results to meet his next rival, though they can’t be measured against the Chiefs or the Cleveland Browns, in case of win.
For the Colts, the road is more complicated because they have to decide what will happen to their position as defenders. It is true that Philip Rivers had a solid season, but he is already 39 years old and certainly not the future, although he can still get a short contract while developing a young quarterback or betting someone else in a free agency or with a transaction. It will be a hectic off-season in Indianapolis.