By Jenna West, Joe Buscaglia, Tim Graham, and Jeff Zrebiec
The highly anticipated rematch between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills from last season’s AFC divisional round lived up to expectations on Sunday night. Quarterback Josh Allen led the Bills to a thrilling 41-40 victory after erasing a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Turning Point for Buffalo
The momentum shifted in Buffalo’s favor when Ravens running back Derrick Henry fumbled at Baltimore’s 38-yard line with just 3:10 remaining in the game. The Bills recovered, and Allen marched the team down the field, completing a four-play drive that ended with a touchdown run by Allen with 1:58 left. However, he couldn’t connect with wide receiver Keon Coleman on the two-point conversion, leaving the score at 40-38.
Game-Winning Kick
The Ravens failed to score on their next possession, giving the Bills a chance to clinch the comeback. Veteran kicker Matt Prater, who was signed to the practice squad just days earlier due to Tyler Bass’s hip injury, nailed a 32-yard field goal to secure the win, shocking the Ravens.
Performance Highlights
Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, completed 33 of 46 passes for 394 yards and threw two touchdowns, while also rushing for 30 yards and two additional scores. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was runner-up to Allen for last season’s MVP, was efficient, going 14 of 19 with 209 passing yards and two touchdowns, coupled with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Defensive Struggles for Buffalo
The Bills aimed to enhance their defense during the offseason, but early results were disappointing. Baltimore’s offense controlled much of the game, with Henry racking up over 100 yards rushing on first-down carries alone. The Bills’ pass rush was ineffective, and their defensive coverage and tackling were poor.
Ravens’ Missed Opportunities
Despite focusing on avoiding turnovers after their playoff exit last season, the Ravens repeated their mistakes. They squandered a significant 40-25 lead in the fourth quarter, largely due to Henry’s fumble and a missed extra point. Mismanagement during a late second-quarter sequence also led to the Bills scoring a field goal.
Challenges for Baltimore’s Defense
A critical question entering the season was whether the Ravens could apply sufficient pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The answer proved to be no, as Allen had ample time to make plays, with the first sack for the Ravens happening late in the fourth quarter. Despite a formidable offense, defensive coordinator Zach Orr has issues to address heading into the next game.
