‘Proud’ Josh Allen hits back at people who doubted the Bills: “We’ve just put our head down and worked hard”
Josh Allen threw for only 126 yards but rushed for two touchdowns in a thrilling fourth-quarter victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
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Josh Allen congratulated by Khalil Shakir and other Buffalo Bills players amid the Baltimore Ravens game. (Image via Imagn)
The Baltimore Ravens boasted six players across the AP First-Team and Second-Team All-Pro, while the Buffalo Bills had just one: Josh Allen. The Bills weren’t given much hope this season with the return of Aaron Rodgers in the AFC East and the exit of Stefon Diggs in the offseason.
On Sunday night, the Bills silenced their doubters defiantly with a dramatic 27-25 victory over the Ravens to secure a spot in the AFC Championship Game. The Buffalo Bills’ defense came up clutch with the game on the line as they held off a two-point conversion attempt by Baltimore Ravens star Mark Andrews.
In a showdown moment in the snowy end zone, the ball slipped through Andrews’ hands and bobbled out of bounds, preserving the Bills’ two-point lead with just 1:33 left on the clock. From there, the Bills held firm and closed out a dramatic 27-25 win in a snowed-out Highmark Stadium.
Josh Allen, the star quarterback, praised his team and called out the naysayers in the interview after the game. He expressed that they did work hard to reach where they are now amid a sea of people telling them they can’t do it.
How bout that Buffalo Bills defense, huh? All year we’ve heard we don’t have enough talent to compete. We’re too small. We can’t stop the run…We’ve just put our head down and worked hard.
Josh Allen said
"All year this team has heard, 'We got no talent. We're too small. We can't stop the run. We're not good enough to compete.'
— NFL (@NFL) January 20, 2025
We've just put our head down and worked hard." – @JoshAllenQB (via @NFLonCBS) pic.twitter.com/EUS8POhzC4
All said and done, Allen’s words will remain just words if they can’t replicate the same success against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Conference game. The Bills are aware of the threat the Chiefs hold, having dueled with them earlier this season. In their regular season meetup, the Bills snatched the Chiefs’ winning record that spanned more than 10 straight wins from the beginning of the season.
The Chiefs, who are looking to build a stronger profile than the New England Patriots, were on track to attempt the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season record. As a three-peat stands in the way, the Chiefs are ready to play dangerously, and villainously, if it means they win.
The Buffalo Bills need the receiving core to step up and help Josh Allen
Josh Allen had little to do with the air on Sunday. The potential NFL MVP had just 127 passing yards, which might become an issue against the Chiefs. However, Allen wasn’t all off against the Baltimore Ravens in the crucial game.
When the Bills needed him the most, he stepped up. Allen made several key receptions to keep the chains moving, providing crucial momentum for Buffalo’s offense. His reliable hands and precise route-running helped the Bills dominate time of possession, holding the ball for 31:44 compared to 28:16.
Allen’s impact extended beyond the passing game, as his presence opened up opportunities for other plays, contributing to a hard-fought victory. Nonetheless, he needs his receiving core to step up in big games for a potential deep run. Outside of Khalil Shakir, none of the Bills’ receivers were able to create separation or make an impact.
In the most crucial playoff game, Gabe Davis had a quiet performance, with just one target and no receptions. Meanwhile, WR Keon Coleman caught his only target for five yards and struggled to get open throughout the contest.
While the Bills’ game plan leaned on the rushing attack, the lack of production from their wide receivers, especially in key moments, highlights a major concern. For the Bills to go far, Allen will need consistent support from his receiving unit.
Related: Skip Bayless admits being “sick” of NFL protecting Patrick Mahomes: “Prisoner of the Swifties”
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Mohammed Bazim
(424 Articles Published)