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The Buffalo Bills dealt with a slew of injuries on Sunday, but they were unable to hang on, losing to the New York Jets by a final score of 27-23. Both Josh Allen and Sam Darnold showed glimpses of why their respective teams spent top-ten draft choices on them in the 2018 NFL Draft, but Darnold and the Jets did a little bit more to pull out the victory.
Buffalo led 17-13 at the half. After Andre Roberts fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half, the Bills were unable to capitalize, settling for a Stephen Hauschka field goal rather than a touchdown. The Bills led 20-13.
The score remained that way until 12 minutes remained in the fourth quarter. Darnold made a fantastic play, scrambling away from Kyle Williams and Jerry Hughes, rolling from his right all the way back to his left to hit Robby Anderson on a beautiful pass. A Jason Myers extra point tied the game at 20.
After the Bills drove down the field and settled for another Stephen Hauschka field goal, the Jets went to work. Darnold led the Jets 9 plays and 61 yards, including a gorgeous 37-yard pass to Robby Anderson, who beat Tre’Davious White to give the Jets first and goal at the five. Elijah McGuire punched it in on a fourth-and-goal from the 1 yard line to give the Jets a lead they would not relinquish.
Allen had one more chance, but he made an ill-advised throw in the direction of Zay Jones that was intercepted, ending any chance that the Bills had. Allen finished the game 18-of-36 for 206 yards and 3 turnovers (2 interceptions and 1 lost fumble). Darnold was 16-for-24 for 170 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Robert Foster led the Bills in receiving, making 7 catches for 104 yards. Chris Ivory was Buffalo’s leading rusher among running backs, carrying 12 times for 42 yards. Both he and LeSean McCoy could not finish the game due to injuries. Ivory reinjured his shoulder and McCoy suffered a hamstring injury. Allen led the Bills in rushing once again, totaling 101 yards and 1 touchdown on 9 carries.
Both teams are now 4-9 on the season. The Bills were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.