Buffalo Bills Extend Win Streak to Six Games with Wild-Card Victory
The Buffalo Bills overcame extreme winter weather and a delayed start to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 in the AFC wild-card matchup. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter and added a 52-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Steelers, playing without All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt, saw their late-season push come to an end. Despite having only a 4% chance of making the playoffs on Dec. 22, Pittsburgh reached the postseason.
Buffalo Bills’ Offensive Cohesion Leads to Victory
The Bills capitalized on the Steelers’ mistakes and found cohesion on offense. Josh Allen had an impressive performance, completing 21 of 30 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 74 yards and one score. Allen’s 52-yard touchdown run was the second-longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in postseason history. The Bills’ defense also played a crucial role, with Kaiir Elam’s interception in the second quarter preventing the Steelers from scoring. However, the Bills’ defense suffered multiple injuries, which could impact their upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pittsburgh Steelers Fall Short in Wild-Card Round
Competing without T.J. Watt, the Steelers fought back from a 21-0 deficit but ultimately fell short. Mason Rudolph, starting in the postseason for the first time, showed poise and delivered impressive throws under pressure. However, the Steelers missed a crucial opportunity to score when Kaiir Elam intercepted Rudolph’s pass in the end zone. The Steelers now face important decisions in the offseason, including their starting quarterback and the future of coach Mike Tomlin.
Key Takeaways
– The Buffalo Bills extended their win streak to six games with a 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC wild-card matchup.
– Josh Allen had an outstanding performance, throwing three touchdowns and running for one.
– The Steelers fought back from a 21-0 deficit but couldn’t overcome the Bills’ strong offense.
– The Bills’ defense suffered multiple injuries, which could impact their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
– The Steelers face important decisions in the offseason, including their starting quarterback and the future of coach Mike Tomlin.