If ever there was a game I could have skipped…
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 18: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
It wasn’t that long ago that if I said the Bills were traveling to take on the New England Patriots in the last week of the season and it was meaningless as far as record and seeding were concerned, it would have meant something much different. With the AFC East locked up ages ago and the two seed set in stone, the Bills had nothing to play for. Almost…
Buffalo took the time to do the right thing by some of their players and also test out an idea or two since the scoreboard didn’t matter.
Von Miller’s sack (Q1; 14:08)
I’m not insinuating that this should have been a flag. It’s right around the exact timing you want your edge rusher to employ by jumping, which is flirting with too early. This sack triggered an incentive for Von Miller so the celebration makes even more sense.
Josh Allen’s entire day on the field (Q1; 13:25)
This gave Josh Allen the start to continue his streak and also kept him safe. Win-win.
Sam Martin’s punt (Q3; 11:14)
I’ll give you one guess on what player needed one more punt inside the 20 to trigger a bonus. I hope you guessed “Sam Martin.” Bonus question: Which player do you think Sam Martin gave a huge “thank you” to? Did you guess “Ja’Marcus Ingram?”
James Cook’s touchdown (Q3; 7:59)
With this touchdown, James Cook tied O.J. Simpson’s single-season touchdown record. That’s certainly not too shabby. I have to believe this was the only reason Cook was still in the game in the third quarter.
Tyler Bass’ kickoff (Q3; 7:56)
This didn’t trigger any incentive that I’m aware of and it certainly didn’t break a record. It did, however, go against the grain a bit by forcing a return. It looked like the second attempt to do so (the first went out of bounds and was a penalty). This might be a sign of things to come if Sean McDermott believe having Tyler Bass kick it a bit short might lead to an advantage.