Yes, that is correct. The Buffalo Bills are heading to the the playoffs for first in this millennium since 1999. The Bills picked up their ninth win of the season to end the regular season to finish at 9-7. Beating the Miami Dolphins in South Beach was a must do for the team but then they needed extra help on the side.
After the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Oakland Raiders, the Bills needed the Cincinnati Bengals to beat the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills had already defeated the Dolphins 22-16, so now it was time to focus on the Ravens/Bengals game. After a 49 yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to Tyler Boyd on fourth down with less than a minute left, the Bengals eliminated the Ravens from the playoffs, allowing the Bills to secure the sixth seed of the playoffs.
Reviewing The Offense
After losing LeSean McCoy in the third quarter due to an ankle injury, it was up to Tyrod Taylor to lead the offense himself and hope that the defense stood its ground. After taking a 10-0 lead going into halftime, it was officially crunch time for the Bills and the pressure had never been higher.
The offense managed to score 12 additional points in the second half and scored their first second half touchdown in five games. Who was the one that got into the end zone? None other than a 300 pound defensive tackle in Kyle Williams who is considered the heart and soul of the team. Williams scored off a one yard run that got the Bills to extend their lead 19-0.
Other offensive players that stood out?
Tight end Nick O’Leary showed that he can do more than just block. On the Bills first offensive possession, Taylor threw a very nice 26 yard touchdown pass to a wide-open O’Leary. All season long, O’Leary has been reliable for the offense in both the pass and rush.
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Another player to keep an eye out for, especially heading into the playoffs, is Marcus Murphy. Murphy was signed to the Bills from the New Orleans practice squad. Murphy didn’t have a great game, but he led the team in rushing and came up with crucial runs.
The offense looked better than it has been in recent weeks. The Bills offense may have lost McCoy, but the ankle injury seems to be nothing too serious.
Reviewing The Defense
The defense, led by Kyle Williams played extremely well. They didn’t give up a score until late in the third quarter and a touchdown until the fourth quarter. One unit that stood out was the secondary.
A healthy and starting secondary with Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, E.J. Gaines and Jordan Poyer should fans what a great secondary looks like when they are all in.
The defensive line was able to put more pressure on David Fales, but the line will definitely need to upgrade in the offseason.
Jordan Poyer continues to shine and show that he should have been at least considered a Pro Bowl alternate. He secured an interception that helped end the game as well as did very well in coverage.
Enjoy This Feeling, Prepare For Wild Card
The Bills along with their fanbase should most definitely enjoy the feeling of being a playoff team. The Bills get another week of football as they will travel down to Jacksonville to take on Doug Marrone and the Jaguars this Sunday.
Brandon Ray is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the Buffalo Bills. Make sure to follow him on Twitter at @brandon_ray79 and @FPC_Bills for Buffalo Bills Coverage.
