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The Buffalo Bills clinched a playoff berth tonight, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10. Buffalo was outstanding on defense, forcing five turnovers (including four interceptions of Devlin “Duck” Hodges), and they did just enough on offense to squeak out the victory.
Buffalo led 7-3 at the half, but the Steelers drove 69 yards on seven plays to open the third quarter, punching in a touchdown via an 11-yard pass to James Conner. The Bills moved the ball well on their next drive, but Devin Singletary fumbled to end the threat. Buffalo stopped the Steelers on their next drive, forcing a three-and-out where the Steelers lost six yards.
Buffalo punted on its next drive, but Tre’Davious White intercepted Hodges and nearly returned it for a touchdown. Buffalo couldn’t take advantage of the field position, settling for a field goal and a tie game, 10-10.
After the Bills forced another Pittsburgh punt, the team went on a 70-yard drive that ultimately ended the game. As the Bills lined up for a third-down play from Pittsburgh’s 14 yard line, they sent three receivers to the left. With all eyes on that side of the formation, Josh Allen hit tight end Tyler Kroft in the end zone for a touchdown, giving the Bills a 17-10 lead.
The game wouldn’t end easily, however. Buffalo stopped Pittsburgh with just under two minutes to go, as Jordan Poyer intercepted Hodges in the end zone. Buffalo couldn’t run out the clock, so Pittsburgh had another opportunity; however, Hodges was intercepted in the end zone again (this time it was Levi Wallace making his first career interception) to end the ballgame.
Josh Allen was only 13-for-25 for 139 yards, one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, and one interception. Devin Singletary carried 21 times for 87 yards, and John Brown made seven catches for 99 yards in clinching the playoffs.
Rejoice in the moment, fellow Bills fans, but let’s now set our focus on higher goals—a meeting with the New England Patriots on Saturday at 4:30 could give the Bills a chance at their first AFC East Division title since 1995.