In a thrilling AFC wild-card opener, the Buffalo Bills emerged victorious against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a score of 27-24, marking their first road playoff win in over three decades. The game, held in Jacksonville, saw Bills quarterback Josh Allen take a beating but ultimately lead his team to a crucial victory. With the Jaguars' linebacker Devin Lloyd pressuring him, Allen connected with Brandin Cooks for a pivotal 36-yard gain just before the two-minute warning, setting the stage for his own 1-yard touchdown run that secured the lead for Buffalo.
Allen’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. In a display of sheer determination, he gained 10 yards on a sneak before his touchdown, refusing to be taken down despite the opposing defense's efforts. “Just trusting everybody on the field,” Allen commented after the game. “Great win, great team win. All we’ve got to do is play our game, find a way to win a football game. We’re on to the next.” The Bills, now boasting a record of 13-5, will face either Denver or New England next week, aiming to build on their newfound momentum.
Throughout the game, Allen focused on quick ball distribution, effectively neutralizing Jacksonville’s pass rush. He completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown while running for two scores. Remarkably, he was sacked only once and played without committing any turnovers. Khalil Shakir was a crucial asset for the Bills, catching 12 passes for 82 yards, especially important since NFL rushing leader James Cook was largely contained, finishing with only 46 yards on 15 carries.
The Jaguars briefly took the lead with just over four minutes remaining, courtesy of Trevor Lawrence's third touchdown pass of the game. Lawrence finished the game with 207 yards, completing 18 of 30 passes and throwing touchdown passes to Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Etienne. Washington had a standout performance, recording seven catches for 107 yards. However, questions arose about Coach Liam Coen's decision not to utilize the run more against a Bills defense that has struggled against the run.
Injuries played a significant role in the game. The Bills were without safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring), which left them vulnerable in the secondary. Meanwhile, wide receiver Gabe Davis suffered a left knee injury and was carted off the field, while Tyrell Shavers also dealt with a knee issue but managed to return. The Jaguars faced their own injury troubles, losing right guard Patrick Mekari to back issues and dealing with injuries to left guard Ezra Cleveland and wide receiver Parker Washington, who was evaluated for a concussion but returned to the game.
With their victory, the Bills are poised to face either Denver or New England in the next round of the playoffs, aiming to extend their road winning streak and overcome a long-standing history of playoff struggles. On the other hand, the Jaguars will focus on enhancing their roster as they seek to become more competitive in the upcoming season. The game underscored the resilience of both teams, showcasing the intensity of playoff football in the NFL.