Josh Allen delivered a historic performance in Los Angeles, becoming the first player ever to throw for 3 touchdowns and rush for 3 in a single game. But despite his incredible efforts, the Buffalo Bills fell short, reminding us that in the NFL, one player’s brilliance can’t overcome a team’s collective struggles.
Allen shines but defensive and special teams mistakes hold Bills back
Sean McDermott Addresses The Media Following The Bills Loss To The Los Angeles Rams | Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen left everything on the field in Los Angeles, making history as the first player ever to throw for 3 touchdowns and rush for 3 in a single game. With over 400 yards of the Bills’ 445 total offense coming from Allen alone, he played like a true MVP. Yet, despite his incredible performance, Buffalo couldn’t walk away with the win, falling short by just two points, a painful reminder that in the NFL, even historic individual efforts can’t overcome team-wide deficiencies.
From the start, Buffalo never truly had control. In the first half, they failed to force the Rams to punt, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown gave Los Angeles a 10-point lead. Allen answered with a 41-yard touchdown pass to Ty Johnson, but the Rams kept scoring.
At halftime, the Rams led 24-14 and maintained control, with Puka Nacua terrorizing the Bills’ defense for 162 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo’s defense allowed 457 total yards, which proved too much to overcome, despite Allen’s best efforts.
In his post-game comments, Coach Sean McDermott didn’t hold back, criticizing both the defense and special teams. While Allen’s 42-point performance should’ve been enough, the Bills’ inability to execute defensively and manage the clock cost them the game, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been.
Also Read: The impact of Bills’ loss on No. 1 Seed race between Chiefs and Steelers
Tom Brady doubts about Sean McDermott’s final play
Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, is no stranger to fourth-quarter heroics. Throughout his legendary career, he orchestrated 46 game-winning drives, a record that still stands today. So, when the rookie Fox analyst saw the Buffalo Bills with just over a minute left, trailing by nine points, he wasn’t exactly optimistic about their chances. Needing two scores in such little time, the Bills found themselves on the 1-yard line, and Josh Allen attempted a QB sneak. It didn’t go as planned.
In a critical moment, Bills coach Sean McDermott called a timeout. For Brady, this decision was baffling. “To me, take three shots throwing it—don’t use a timeout. Then you can kick it deep, use your three timeouts to still get the football with good time. That changes the entire complexity of the last 1:02 of the game. I did not like that one bit. That could’ve just cost them the game right there.” (via: EssentiallySports)
Fans echoed Brady’s frustration. “Tom Brady is absolutely correct. The failed QB sneak was an awful call because you lost a timeout and now have to convert on the onside kick. Very stupid by the Bills.” One user commented. Another added, “Tom Brady correctly noted the Bills should have never run the football at the 1.”
While the timeout debacle may have sealed the Bills’ fate in their dramatic loss in Los Angeles, the real issue for Buffalo lies in their defense. To make a serious postseason run, they need to shore up those gaps. After all, defense wins championships, something Brady knows all too well.