Buffalo Rumblings - Plays that defined the 2018 Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2019-06-13T08:00:00-04:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/183916712019-06-13T08:00:00-04:002019-06-13T08:00:00-04:00The defining play of the Buffalo Bills’ 2018 season!
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<img alt="NFL: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yHDYqlGK8tYQ0AT1IsIs4BPU0_M=/0x0:2750x1833/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63999118/usa_today_11949721.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We did it! We’ve crowned a single play to exemplify the Buffalo Bills’ 2018 season. </p> <p id="Tgen06">There are few things in this world that can connect people like a good story. Football fans may not always realize this, but every Monday morning “Did you see...?” with coworkers; each late Sunday phone call to a friend about “I thought that... but then...” is a manifestation of this connection. </p>
<p id="q9JnK8">And that’s really the goal of this series, to dive into the stories we share as fans. So first and foremost, a sincere “thank you” to everyone who flocks to this modern campfire to tell tales and spin yarns together. </p>
<p id="HLXNie">With just a tad more ado—after an incredibly close vote, the play that you all voted as the one that best tells the story of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ 2018 season is...</p>
<h2 id="OFd5Cu">
<span>Josh Allen</span> jumping over things</h2>
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<p id="6fWT2U">Despite the plays that represented the individual games containing an alarming number of pick-sixes and various negative plays, the votes kept circling back to an optimistic narrative for the 2018 season. The development of <span>Josh Allen</span> became a particular focal point and it became apparent that the story of the season for many was excited foreshadowing of the stories to come. </p>
<p id="xzmgTa">In your own words: </p>
<p id="MwpK6L">During the Away Games finals, voters were asked to choose between our Champion and an incomplete pass from <span>Allen</span> to <span>Charles Clay</span> that sealed a loss to the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>. In analyzing the difference in narratives, <strong>BD34 </strong>wrote about the leap and how it symbolized optimism. The leap was “a heroic play against a highly touted team which helped to rally the troops to knock them off.”</p>
<p id="DIe6sX"><strong>Saimang </strong>wrote about the jump “…that happened before the throw and something about it made me think ‘this kid is willing to do whatever it takes to be special.’ I bought in with that jump and its clear the team did as well, the throw just helped to solidify it.” In a similar sentiment, <strong>JonR67 </strong>wrote “Plays like his hurdle showed that he will do <em>anything</em> it takes to carry this offense on his shoulders.”</p>
<p id="SSZ8Fo">While optimism for <span>Allen</span> still shined through, <strong>C-Lite</strong> offered a slightly different take on the play, which highlights some of the less admirable aspects of 2018; “risking life and limb running for yards ( that he / we could not pick up through the air)…this was 2018 in a nutshell.”</p>
<p id="c7ZSUk">Readers really struggled with this choice though, with an entire comment chain dedicated to the poetry of <strong>Chuck-Wagon</strong> expressing “I only hope that this ends in a 50/50 tie.” And it was close. Very close. </p>
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<p id="OHsD71">If you didn’t see your name, don’t think you were missed. All of the comments and discussion were truly appreciated but it’s already getting wordy and we have a couple more things to take care of to celebrate our defining moment for 2018. </p>
<p id="c9UqJ5">Since our winner launched a thousand memes, let’s bring them back via the courtesy of this <a href="https://billswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/25/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-meme/">convenient collection</a> from Billswire. </p>
<p id="zA9RQh">And finally...</p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/6/13/18668052/the-defining-play-of-the-buffalo-bills-2018-season-josh-allen-jumping-over-things-minnesota-vikingsSkarekrow2019-06-10T09:00:00-04:002019-06-10T09:00:00-04:00Plays that defined the 2018 Buffalo Bills: Championship
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dY__pQdqkj-cvFz6c8075AChAnU=/42x0:3732x2460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63978190/usa_today_9500399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It’s time to crown a champion play to define the 2018 season</p> <p id="bJSimQ">It’s been a long and harrowing journey to crown a play to define the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ 2018 season, but we’re nearly there. After 16 game recaps and three “playoff” rounds we have our away game champion and our home game champion. The narrative of the season according to you the fans will be one of optimism. But which one will be left standing? Let’s take a look at the two remaining plays. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VKrmJQ">
<h2 id="3hpIMS">Away Game Champion</h2>
<h3 id="jChJV1">
<span>Josh Allen</span> jumping over things</h3>
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<p id="qNRuaG">The Buffalo Bills were steamrolling the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> and Minnesota needed a stop. Through most of the first quarter, the Bills were up by 17 after turnovers and an offense that took advantage. Ready to make a stop, the Vikings could have started to rally back. <span>Josh Allen</span> took over and Buffalo never looked back. This play won the away games championship with one of the closer margins of late, a scant 10% advantage over the incomplete to Charles Clay. The will to win from <span>Allen</span> might be the yarn of the year. </p>
<p id="WR8GZt"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h2 id="iKf3fC">Home Game Champion</h2>
<h3 id="9XE1TV">
<span>Josh Allen</span> to <span>Robert Foster</span> 75-yard touchdown</h3>
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<p id="ZyCKpM">And for the Home Games, the <span>Josh Allen</span> 75-yard touchdown throw to <span>Robert Foster</span> started as the sixth seed but cruised to easy victories in every round. Tripling the vote count of a reception from the beloved <span>Kyle Williams</span>, this play could be unstoppable. A narrow victory over the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> hinged on just a few key plays. Fans seem drawn to the poise and accuracy of this miraculous throw. A subtext of revenge over <span>Jalen Ramsey</span> and the Jacksonville Jaguars adds another layer that could be the difference in this Championship contest. </p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/6/10/18632370/plays-that-defined-the-2018-buffalo-bills-championship-josh-allen-jumping-over-things-robert-fosterSkarekrow2019-06-06T12:00:00-04:002019-06-06T12:00:00-04:00Plays that defined the 2018 Buffalo Bills: Home and Away finals
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1leBAGRC0NrMi33oIp0iOvTznho=/42x0:3732x2460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63961969/usa_today_9500399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We vote for the plays that will represent the Away games and those that will represent the Home games for the defining moment of the season</p> <p id="dUw0bz">This year’s “Conference Finals” features four juggernaut plays. In the semifinals, the closest contest saw the winning play receive 75% of fan votes. The most lopsided match-up has a winner sitting at 96% of votes. Will four powerhouse plays lead to closer voting? Let’s find out as we select the two plays that will go on to the Championship Round for the honor of being called the “Play That Defined the 2018 <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>.” </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="fTJK7a">
<h2 id="YeEqRM">Away Games Finals</h2>
<h3 id="bw3uVH">
<span>Josh Allen</span> Incomplete to <span>Charles Clay</span>
</h3>
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<p id="Eoi2j6">The last “negative” play standing was also the play with the least comfortable margin of victory getting into the Conference Finals. Starting the bracket as the number-one seed, this play seems to be striking a chord with fans who think the 2018 season was a story of a promising young quarterback that needed a better surrounding cast to thrive. </p>
<p id="csWqob"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="fJVZx8">
<span>Josh Allen</span> jumping over things</h3>
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<p id="WpzbxQ">In a similar vein, the second-ranked away game play is all about <span>Josh Allen</span> showing glimmers of the dynamic threat we all want him to be. In the rare game where all cylinders were firing together, <span>Josh Allen</span> looked unstoppable. </p>
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<h2 id="9HIM9D">Home Games Finals</h2>
<h3 id="jBp0WE">
<span>Kyle Williams</span>’s reception</h3>
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<p id="plOboB">The number-two seeded play makes it to the Conference Finals in the home games as well. <span>Kyle Williams</span> is the focus here, making this play an anomaly of sorts as well. The play suggests the Bills as team improving rather than just <span>Josh Allen</span> and could be symbolic of moving forward into the future with the underlying layer of <span>Williams</span>’s retirement. </p>
<p id="Js0yIz"><strong>Vs.</strong></p>
<h3 id="auYVIp">
<span>Josh Allen</span> 75-yard touchdown to <span>Robert Foster</span> </h3>
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<p id="Z8horZ">The big underdog for the tournament is the sixth-seeded touchdown throw. This play takes the hope for the future story line and adds a dimension of revenge against the haters. It’s hard to consider this play an underdog at this point as it took down the original top-seeded home game with 96% of the voting. </p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/6/6/18653616/plays-that-defined-the-2018-buffalo-bills-home-and-away-finalsSkarekrow2019-06-04T12:00:00-04:002019-06-04T12:00:00-04:00Plays that defined the 2018 Buffalo Bills: Home Games Semifinals
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kT7autORUDiE46qNAYd4T1ZFOb8=/42x0:3732x2460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63946397/usa_today_9500399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Our journey to find a single play that defines the 2018 season continues in the Home Games semifinals!</p> <p id="5boQj2">We’ve whittled away the home games as we continue to find a single play to define the 2018 season. Three of the top four seeds took the last round with one upset. Optimistic narratives seemed to have a slight edge in this half of the bracket. Will that trend continue? Or will voters turn to the dark side in the semifinals? </p>
<p id="Le2N6u"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this on your mobile device, you may have to click through to the full site version to vote.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1XHXAn">
<h3 id="8r4WBw">
<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> - <span>Robert Foster</span> touchdown</h3>
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<p id="CFGkpv">Our top seed goes to the bright spot that was this <span>Josh Allen</span> to <span>Robert Foster</span> touchdown pass. A close game where the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> struggled to take command does resemble the 2018 season for sure. The promise of talented young players is told in captivating fashion as well through this pass. </p>
<p id="bFL3eD"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="CQ3VK7">
<a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> - <span>Josh Allen</span> 75-yard touchdown pass</h3>
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<p id="y1Kmqr">The sixth seed was the lone upset in the first round of voting. Most of what could be said above can be said here as well. The pass is amplified with <span>Josh Allen</span> being swarmed early yet surviving to make the play. The sweet revenge over a mouthy opponent provides another angle that hopeful fans may latch onto to help this underdog keep rolling. </p>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xAjOL5">
<h3 id="WEwHQV">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> - <span>Kyle Williams</span>’s reception</h3>
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<p id="m26WZ4">While our second seed continues a trend of positive narratives, this one stands out thanks to a bittersweet farewell soon after. The youth movement is still represented with <span>Josh Allen</span>, but <span>Kyle Williams</span>’s last ride stands out as a passing of the torch. Will this tale of transition resonate? </p>
<p id="QZtzRP"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="oVGd3M">
<a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> - <span>Vontae Davis</span> retires</h3>
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<p id="bbJwya">Our fourth seed makes it two-for-two on mirror matches as this face-off is the duel of the retirements. If there’s one former Buffalo Bill that will be missed as much as <span>Kyle Williams</span> it’s gotta be <span>Vontae Davis</span>. Or in all likelihood this play is instead the poster child of a lost season. Where at one point the team seemed busy trailblazing new paths to sadness. It started as a joke, but here it is in the semifinals. Vontae Davis’s last snap before retirement. </p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/6/4/18650039/plays-that-defined-the-2018-buffalo-bills-home-games-semifinalsSkarekrow2019-06-03T12:00:00-04:002019-06-03T12:00:00-04:00Plays that defined the 2018 Buffalo Bills: Away Games Semifinals
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FFOReCelcGKgtO_LfeJK6Cl8go0=/42x0:3732x2460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63940319/usa_today_9500399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Our journey to a find a single play to define the 2018 season continues in the Away Games semifinals!</p> <p id="5boQj2">Half of the Buffalo Bills’ away games are out of the picture as we continue to find a single play to define the 2018 season. The top four seeded plays advanced into these semifinals though two significantly different narratives appear to be emerging. Was the story of 2018 one of hope for the future? Or was it a woeful tale of unfulfilled expectations? Or a third thing? Vote below and let us know!</p>
<p id="Le2N6u"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this on your mobile device, you may have to click through to the full site version to vote.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WhKW59">
<h3 id="ZizbJB">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> - Incomplete to <span>Charles Clay</span>
</h3>
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<p id="8XrdaZ">The most heavily-favored play in the away games has a lot going on. A young quarterback in <span>Josh Allen</span> putting the team on his shoulders and earning a last-second victory over a division rival. An all too familiar squandering of that effort for the “same old <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>.” This play may have enough subplots to carry it all the way. </p>
<p id="7wC8ps"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="nPDnOj">
<a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> - <span>Nathan Peterman</span> interception</h3>
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<p id="ES5ePs">Alternatively, the fourth seeded play relies on a single focused narrative. Many of the struggles of the 6-10 Bills of 2018 can be attributed to quarterback shenanigans that stretched from preseason all the way to mid-season. Relying so strongly on Nathan Peterman was arguably last year’s albatross for Sean McDermott and the Bills’ front office. </p>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rXYIYd">
<h3 id="q6DHPl">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings </a>- <span>Josh Allen</span> jumping over things</h3>
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<p id="Tt9Nx3">The second seeded play is an exciting tale of hope. A depressed fan base needed something to cheer for. An electrifying game that showed off a talented quarterback was bold and shocking. The leap that launched a thousands memes will look to make its way to the away games finals. </p>
<p id="JVgP1L"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="sjLyqD">
<a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> - <span>Matt Barkley</span> lets it rip (69% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="kVSGKt">While the second seed brought hope on the player side, the third seed brings a promise of smart coaching. Starting (another) quarterback after less than two weeks of practice, the Bills dialed up a <span>Matt Barkley</span> friendly game plan that torched the Jets. </p>
<div id="D06DFt"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6363600"></div></div>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/6/3/18650007/plays-that-defined-the-2018-buffalo-bills-away-games-semifinalsSkarekrow2019-05-31T14:00:00-04:002019-05-31T14:00:00-04:00Plays that defined 2018: Home Games quarterfinals
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<img alt="NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EionYQcecNfSycpL6p8qB8cLA30=/42x0:3732x2460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63929100/usa_today_9500399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The quest to find a single play to define the season continues with the Home Game quarterfinals!</p> <p id="5boQj2">We’ve voted on a play to define each game, and now it’s time to crown one to define the season. We continue our bracket with the home games. Seeding was done based on the percentage of the vote each play received in their respective games (percentages were taken at the time of writing). </p>
<p id="Le2N6u">Remember the goal is to select a play that “defines” the narrative of the season rather than voting for a highlight or “best play.” It can be helpful to think of a one- or two-sentence story that describes the entire 2018 season and select plays that best match that narrative. </p>
<p id="PWQJOl"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this on your mobile device, you may have to click through to the full site version to vote.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1XHXAn">
<h3 id="8r4WBw">
<a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> - <span>Robert Foster</span> touchdown (86%)</h3>
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<p id="CFGkpv">In a tight contest, sometimes the game is defined by the moment that creates the small separation needed to proclaim a victor. While it wasn’t a big day for <span>Josh Allen</span> or <span>Robert Foster</span>, this moment was a difference maker. </p>
<p id="bFL3eD"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="y1Kmqr">
<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> - <span>Nathan Peterman</span> pick-6 (52% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="xAjOL5">In a game where the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> had their opponent locked down in most key areas (aside from the score), the quickest way to lose was to hand the game over. This play is a good summary of how Buffalo did just that. </p>
<div id="kAdzP3"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6360427"></div></div>
<h3 id="WEwHQV">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> - <span>Kyle Williams</span>’s reception (72%)</h3>
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<p id="m26WZ4">Everyone knew the game would include some love for the soon-to-retire <span>Kyle Williams</span>. But this play captured the dominant second half from the Bills that allowed them free reign to let Kyle go out in style. </p>
<p id="QZtzRP"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="KX5qGS">Tennessee Titans - <span>Stephen Hauschka</span> FG (53% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="OIueKS">The first close game of the season came against the eerily similar Titans. A last-second <span>Stephen Hauschka</span> field goal perfectly captures the razor’s edge of the game. </p>
<div id="na3hWj"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6360431"></div></div>
<h3 id="N3521y">
<a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> - <span>Derek Anderson</span> pick-6 (71% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="rxfk4w">The Bills remained astonishingly competitive for most of the game, but unraveled at the end. Voters felt this was captured best via <span>Derek Anderson</span>, who may have been more surprised than anyone to be starting a football game. </p>
<p id="OCd6lS"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="CQ3VK7">
<a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> - <span>Josh Allen</span> 75-yard touchdown pass (55% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="jPyBLh">Buffalo pulled out a victory in a game that got ugly at times. Nowhere was this captured better than by the miracle pass from <span>Josh Allen</span> who looked to be swarmed. </p>
<div id="9Vp1vq"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6360441"></div></div>
<p id="oVGd3M"><a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> - <span>Vontae Davis</span> retires (63% of votes)</p>
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<p id="bbJwya">Being honest with y’all, I included this play as a joke. But it’s hard to argue that it doesn’t capture how terribly this game went off the rails. </p>
<p id="LSlE97"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="ubc2DX">
<a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> - <span>Andre Roberts</span>’s 86-yard return (59%)</h3>
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<p id="TBfQhi">Special teams stood out in this game for many of the wrong reasons. The team earned their loss this week with mental errors and miscues. Nowhere was this clearer to voters than with this play. </p>
<div id="a6h7Jh"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6360445"></div></div>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/5/31/18646753/plays-that-defined-2018-home-games-quarterfinals-fan-votingSkarekrow2019-05-30T15:00:00-04:002019-05-30T15:00:00-04:00Plays that defined 2018: Away Games quarterfinals
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zx2Xt1XXfHV2SOqYD2X3HVJA9Sc=/42x0:3732x2460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63922579/usa_today_9500399.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The quest to find a single play to define the season begins with the Away Conference quarterfinals!</p> <p id="5boQj2">We’ve voted on a play to define each game, and now it’s time to crown one to define the season. We begin our bracket with the away games to form the first half-bracket. Seeding was done based on the percentage of the vote each play received in their respective games (percentages were taken at the time of writing). In the case of the one tie, score differential was used as a tiebreaker.</p>
<p id="VSOTuF">As a reminder, this is to determine a single play that best “defines” the entirety of the 2018 season rather than a “top” play. Before scrolling down, it’s recommended to tell yourself a one- or two-sentence narrative that you’d use to summarize the season if you had to explain it to a friend who lived under a rock for several months. Then, as the bracket progresses simply select the plays that best embody that narrative. </p>
<p id="Le2N6u"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this on your mobile device, you may have to click through to the full site version to vote.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WhKW59">
<h3 id="ZizbJB">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/"></a><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> - Incomplete to <span>Charles Clay</span> (90% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="8XrdaZ">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> visited their Floridian rivals and had opportunities to win the game. With miscues sinking their chances, the voters went with the largest miscue of the game to define it. </p>
<p id="7wC8ps"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="OQA53d">
<a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> - <span>Josh Allen</span> interception (36% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="WqDDXY">On their trip to the real Green Bay to take on the Packers, the Bills were shutout. Though narrowly selected, the defining moment was this rookie throw by <span>Josh Allen</span> that closed a door while also keeping the window shut. </p>
<div id="GfEadf"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6357051"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rXYIYd">
<h3 id="q6DHPl">
<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> - <span>Josh Allen</span> jumping over things (88% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="Tt9Nx3">The most electrifying play in arguably the most electrifying game of the year. Voters overwhelmingly felt that <span>Josh Allen</span> jumping over things best defined the victory over the Vikings. </p>
<p id="YqyMJk"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="DDikWS">
<a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> - Peterman’s first throw (43% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="qEEwlV">In the season opener, Buffalo rolled with <span>Nathan Peterman</span> as their starting quarterback. They chose...poorly. The first stomping of the year was an entirely futile affair, and voters rolled with this pass to nowhere. </p>
<div id="DU1w7H"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6357061"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="LeHtH7">
<h3 id="sjLyqD">
<a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> - <span>Matt Barkley</span> lets it rip (69% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="eOCN8G">Buffalo shocked the Jets with an uncharacteristically aggressive game plan. <span>Matt Barkley</span> nailed this to start the game and the Bills never looked back, which made it the defining play of the game. </p>
<p id="SEqnvx"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="AdL4aD">
<a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> - Defense can’t stop <span>Marlon Mack</span> (48% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="vjVZoN">The Colts ran their way to victory over the Buffalo Bills who seemed unable to make a stop. This conversion by <span>Marlon Mack</span> helped set the tone early and defined the game. </p>
<div id="J5LIGM"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6357067"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rEzOyQ">
<h3 id="nPDnOj">
<a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> - <span>Nathan Peterman</span> interception (69% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="ES5ePs"><span>Josh Allen</span> looked like he was starting to put it together and then was forced out of the game. With <span>Nathan Peterman</span> subbing in for the injured <span>Allen</span>, many fans weren’t shocked by this ending. Most readers felt it captured the narrative of the game. </p>
<p id="5StwV8"><strong>Vs. </strong></p>
<h3 id="4U6rgp">
<a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> - <span>Jason Croom</span> fumble (66% of votes)</h3>
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<p id="AcGNVf">The Bills kept fighting but came up short against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>. This might have been the story many fans had in mind when they chose this play as the defining moment. </p>
<div id="ntLOlF"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6357072"></div></div>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/5/30/18643420/plays-that-defined-2018-away-games-quarterfinalsSkarekrow2019-05-28T13:00:00-04:002019-05-28T13:00:00-04:00Plays that defined the 2018 Buffalo Bills: Miami Dolphins
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<img alt="Miami Dolphins v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B-FIPKih1X1QZLuRQ4rtIQ_ve4A=/0x0:2968x1979/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63908190/1075966428.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The plays that defined a resounding Buffalo Bills’ victory over the Miami Dolphins</p> <p id="8eIDlD">With the 2018 NFL season in the books, we look back at the year and our beloved <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>. Every week is a story, and we bring this to you through the lens of key plays that defined each game. Your Week 17 match-up:</p>
<h2 id="6YMnJq">
<a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> at Buffalo Bills</h2>
<p id="FfMcCQ">The Buffalo Bills would not make the postseason and it was time to say farewell to the 2018 season. A home game against the division rival Miami Dolphins made a fitting back drop for another farewell. <span>Kyle Williams</span> had announced he would retire after the season and fans showed up in droves to send him off the right way. His teammates did the same on the field. After entering halftime tied at 14, the Bills dominated the second half. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="AWoOWl">
<h3 id="a8GnUK">
<span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> interception (Q1, 8:49)</h3>
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<p id="yH3U5X">The Bills scored on their first possession of the day. When the Dolphins got the ball, Buffalo’s defense immediately showed them what kind of day it would be. <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> tracked <span>Ryan Tannehill</span>’s eyes and used his exceptional reach to reel this ball in. The first of four turnovers showed the Bills wouldn’t be denied. </p>
<h3 id="EAL85i">
<span>Zay Jones</span> 18-yard touchdown (Q1, 8:38)</h3>
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<p id="dvvbJm">On the very next play, this happened. <span>Zay Jones</span> needs to twist to make the catch but stays on his feet and accelerates toward the end zone. Going airborne to avoid stepping out of bounds Jones extends for the score, putting the Bills up by 14. <span>Josh Allen</span> had arguably his best game of his rookie season, throwing for 215 yards and three touchdowns. With 93 yards and two of those touchdowns, it was arguably <span>Zay Jones</span>’s best game in the NFL as well. </p>
<h3 id="jJJ9IA">
<span>Josh Allen</span> throws pick-six (Q2, 0:48)</h3>
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<p id="PULI0O">The Bills defense would only allow one touchdown to the Dolphins all day, which occurred 15 seconds before this play. <span>Josh Allen</span>’s ill-advised throw gifted the Dolphins a touchdown that tied the game. <span>Allen</span> shows off his competitive nature with an attempt to dislodge the ball and a pretty good tackle. He didn’t prevent the score, but likely earned a lot of buy-in from his teammates.</p>
<h3 id="f9JsZX">
<span>Shaq Lawson</span> forced fumble (Q3, 8:56)</h3>
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<p id="RvwIZp">The Bills had scored early in the third to retake the lead. Up by a single score, the Dolphins weren’t done yet. <span>Shaq Lawson</span> wanted to end it for them however. On the second play of the drive <span>Lawson</span> greets old friend Nick O’Leary. It’s a brief reunion as Lawson flies by O’Leary and knocks the ball away from <span>Tannehill</span>. Former Dolphin <span>Jordan Phillips</span> recovered the ball, the Bills scored off the turnover, and the rout had begun. </p>
<h3 id="euc4qu">
<span>Josh Allen</span> 30-yard touchdown run (Q4, 11:23) </h3>
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<p id="MmpDEJ">The second half belonged to Buffalo. As the Bills took complete control of the game a Josh Allen scamper set them up 35-17. A botched play by the Dolphins just three minutes later led to another turnover. The Bills scored yet again and, at 42-17, the game was out of reach for the Dolphins. </p>
<h3 id="wGKlia">
<span>Kyle Williams</span>’s 9-yard catch (Q4, 4:49)</h3>
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<p id="LRLKrJ">With the game wildly out of hand there was no reason not to call this play. The year before, <span>Kyle Williams</span> had recorded his first carry and touchdown under Sean McDermott. They weren’t about to let him retire without a reception to go with it. Note: this clip and the next were originally used <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/1/2/18164513/all-22-kyle-williams-last-ride-receptions-penetration-defensive-tackle-fullback-farewell-stiffarm">in this article</a> celebrating <span>Williams</span>’s last game. </p>
<h3 id="1VORkt">Honorable mention</h3>
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<p id="SEPZOG">It’s an honorable mention only because it’s not technically a “play.” But how can you leave this off of a recap for this game? </p>
<div id="twZgwg"><div data-anthem-component="poll:6078288"></div></div>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/5/28/18318629/plays-that-defined-the-2018-buffalo-bills-miami-dolphinsSkarekrow