A defensive masterclass against a comeback player of the year
The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season has been written. So let’s add some “illustrations!” If you’re new to Plays That Defined, this isn’t a highlight recap, but rather a cathartic retelling of the past season, chapter by chapter.
Don’t vote for your favorite play necessarily, vote for the one that best represents that game’s narrative. I’ll recap the game to refresh your memory, but don’t feel locked in by my narrative.
Chapter 10: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts
After surviving against the Miami Dolphins to improve to 7-2, the Bills traveled to Indianapolis to take on the Colts and the comeback kid himself, Joe Flacco. Josh Allen had a rough day throwing two interceptions, zero passing touchdowns, and landing at a sub 60% completion rate.
While Allen and James Cook both ran for a touchdown, three Tyler Bass field goals and a pick-six highlighted an atypical day of “everyone else” elevating Allen rather than the other way around. Ultimately, it was a defensive masterclass that kept the Colts at bay.
Taron Johnson’s pick-six (Q1; 12:24)
Buffalo had started with the ball but punted shortly thereafter. Not to be outdone, Joe Flacco and the Indianapolis Colts’ first drive went even worse. This was Flacco’s first pass of the game. Taron Johnson the hero. As is tradition.
Austin Johnson’s interception (Q1; 9:17)
This was one of the few games in 2024 where the defense led the way, so let’s act like it with the clips. One of four turnovers on the day and from a big man to boot, this interception was the second in the game with a pair of Johnsons ending the first two Indy drives.
Tyler Bass’ 47-yard field goal (Q2; 0:02)
Arguably, much of the credit here goes to Josh Allen and Mack Hollins who connected for a 44-yard pass just moments before to get Bass in range. If I’m sticking to the narrative components of the game though, I give the nod to Bass, who was the closer most of the day.
Greg Rousseau’s strip sack (Q3; 5:53)
The Colts turned the ball over four times and Flacco took four sacks. The two things intertwined on this play. Holding onto a one-score lead, plays like this can be a game changer.
Josh Allen’s interception (Q3; 5:36)
At this point in the game, the Colts were only down by a touchdown. Having just gotten the ball back with great field position thanks to Greg Rousseau’s strip-sack, Allen and the Bills handed the ball right back to Indy. The turnover exchange ended up costing the Colts two yards, but gave them back a first down. Luckily the defense held.