The Buffalo Bills booked their ticket to the playoffs with a 17-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football.
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Final Score
Buffalo Bills 17, Pittsburgh Steelers 10
Buffalo Bills
Quarterback Josh Allen didn't need to play the hero in this game, with Buffalo's defense turning in a dominant performance to go with a strong rushing attack on the offensive end. Allen did a nice job keeping the ball out of harm's way throughout the night, and the only risky throw he really made came in the fourth quarter when he tried to hit wideout John Brown on a second consecutive deep ball. When Buffalo did attack Pittsburgh through the air, they often did it with short quick passes, and Allen was accurate and decisive while targeting his guys underneath.
John Brown continued to show why he was one of the better free-agent signings this past offseason. Brown was Allen's most targeted offensive weapon, and outside of one drop early in the game, he delivered. Brown made a really nice play in the fourth quarter to adjust to a deep ball to make sure that even if he didn't catch the ball, he was going to draw a flag.
Tremaine Edmunds was all over the field for the Bills in what was one of the best games of his young career. He did most of his work in the run game and ended the contest with eight tackles.
Tre'Davious White was targeted throughout the night, and it wasn't all great for White. However, he made two of the biggest plays in the game with two interceptions, the second of which put the Bills inside the red zone.
Pittsburgh Steelers
In a tight game, the one thing Devlin Hodges could not afford to do was turn the ball over. However, Hodges fumbled once (luckily to be recovered by his own team) and he threw four interceptions, the second of which he left high and inside for Tre'Davious White to pick it off and nearly take it for a pick-six. The last two interceptions were Hodges trying to make a play to bring back the Steelers at the end of the game.
Diontae Johnson had five catches for 62 yards. However, the most significant plays involving Johnson were the two fumbles. Johnson had the ball knocked out of his hands twice, and one of those fumbles happened inside the red zone.
Cameron Heyward was a force both against the run and as a pass-rusher. Heyward shed blocks all night long and he pretty much had his way whenever he was left one-on-one, especially when Buffalo decided to match him up against a tight end on the edge.
In addition to Heyward, the Steelers got good performances across their defensive line. Tyson Alualu had a tremendous game in run defense, as did T.J. Watt — which was highlighted by a play where he chased down Devin Singletary from behind to punch the ball out for a fumble — and Dan McCullers and Javon Hargrave both turned in respectable performances, as well.
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