With two games remaining in the regular season and their playoff position nearly solidified, the Buffalo Bills are opting for a cautious approach.
On December 22, the Bills overcame a shaky start and an early 14-point deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 24-21. A strong defensive performance in the second half compensated for an unsteady showing by the offense.
Quarterback Josh Allen, who has been enjoying an MVP-caliber season, had an unusually off day but suggested the offense’s conservative play might be intentional as the team prepares for the postseason.
Bills Playing it Safe
After the game, Allen emphasized that the Bills are still pursuing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. While the victory improved their record to 12-3, their chances of securing a first-round playoff bye became slim after the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to 14-1 with a win on Saturday.
The Chiefs now need just one more win or a Bills loss to clinch the top seed. They’ll have the opportunity to seal it on Christmas Day, potentially leaving Buffalo with little incentive in their remaining games.
Allen hinted that the team remains committed to the goal but doesn’t want to reveal too much to potential playoff opponents.
“Allen with a super interesting answer about the offense,” reporter Matt Bove noted on X. “Basically said they know they are still playing for the No. 1 seed but also know they don’t want to show everything in their arsenal and empty the tank now.”
Josh Allen’s Injury Scare
Another reason for the Bills’ conservative approach could be Allen’s health. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that Allen broke a bone in his hand during a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While the injury has since healed, Allen experienced a scare in Sunday’s game, hitting his funny bone and temporarily losing feeling in his throwing hand.
“Lost some feeling in my hand. Just hit the funny bone nerve,” Allen explained, per the Associated Press. The freezing single-digit temperatures extended his recovery time, but Allen never left the game.
“It took a good five to ten minutes, so just making sure, trying to get some blood flow back in there,” Allen said. “It was a weird feeling. Just glad it’s gone now.”
Allen completed 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also added 60 rushing yards on six carries. Despite his struggles, Buffalo’s defense carried the day, forcing turnovers on the Patriots’ first three drives of the second half, including a fumble recovered for a touchdown. After surrendering touchdowns on New England’s first two drives, the Bills held them out of the endzone until the final two minutes of the game.
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