Buffalo Bills Send Pittsburgh Steelers Home

Written by: Nate Wyrsch •

Player Updates

Josh Allen steps back to pass the ball

Overview

The Buffalo Bills are moving on to the AFC Divisional round after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 on Monday afternoon. They will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Buffalo.

The Bills took a lead early on and led for the rest of the game. After a huge 52-yard rushing touchdown by Josh Allen, it put Buffalo up 21-0, and they were able to coast off that for the rest of the game. Pittsburgh got it within a score once in the fourth quarter, but it did not matter as Buffalo immediately got a double-digit lead back.

Bills' Keys to Success

In a game that many thought would come down to the rushing attack, the Bills dominated over the ground. They tallied a total of 179 yards on 34 carries. James Cook accounted for the majority of the load, going for 79 yards on 18 carries.

Allen also helped the rushing game drastically. He rushed eight times for 74 yards and a touchdown. Allen also threw for three additional touchdowns and 203 yards. He did this on a 70% completion percentage. ‘

Rookie TE Dalton Kincaid led the Buffalo receiving game, going for 59 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Khalil Shakir hauled in a touchdown after a great run after contact, and Dawson Knox caught the other touchdown pass.

The Buffalo defense was also a large part of the Bills game, creating two turnovers that both led to touchdown drives.

Steelers Performers

The Steelers on the other hand battled all game but were unable to leave Buffalo with a victory. The absence of TJ Watt was apparent as they were unable to stop the run and only sacked Allen twice.

The Steelers' running game struggled all game which was one of the main factors for the loss. The duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both struggled. Combined, they rushed the ball 20 times for 75 yards.

Mason Rudolph completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He threw a very costly interception in the red zone, however, which resulted in a 14-point swing as the Bills ended up scoring with their drive.

Looking Forward

Overall, Buffalo was the better team and deserved to make it through. The Bills faithful will have to show out next week against Kansas City, in a much anticipated, heavy-weight matchup. These two teams have a history of playing each other in very close games, both in the postseason and regular season, and next week is no exception. The Texans will also take on the Baltimore Ravens.

Josh Allen and the Bills are now one of the hottest teams in football, and the reigning Super Bowl Champions will have their hands full all game. Defenses will prove large and stars will emerge next Sunday night, under the bright Buffalo lights.

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