Buffalo Bills receiver Trent Sherfield was asked to step up after Gabe Davis’ early exit. It may not have looked how he anticipated, but Sherfield filled his shoes admirably.
Down 7-0 following, Buffalo was badly in need of a score against the potent Miami Dolphins. With quarterback Josh Allen having already thrown two interceptions in the previous quarter – one of which came in the red zone – ensuring a second trip to the red zone ended in points was paramount.
When an Allen pass attempt ricocheted skyward, above the Dolphins defending the end zone, that didn’t seem to be the case. But on the end line, Sherfield – toe-tapping in bounds – was the one who came away with the ball, and of course, the score.
Sherfield’s touchdown tied the game and got the Bills back on track. Buffalo would go on to win 21-14, clinching the AFC East and the conference’s second seed.
The offense’s sloppiness was picked up by a Deonte Harty punt return and a strong defensive outing, but when it mattered most, it was Allen who took the mantle as the hero Buffalo needed.
He was lights out in the second half, breaking tackles and putting a dagger in the Dolphins’ divisional hopes with each chunk gain.
Sherfield spoke about his experience in the huddle during the biggest game of the Bills’ season.
“It’s so dope. I had the privilege of playing a little bit more today and I caught myself looking at him in the huddle,” Sherfield said. “You could just see how much of a competitor he is when he’s calling the play. You can just see it in his eyes … Like that big run that he had … to get the first down.
“He just oozes with confidence. He oozes with leadership.”
Allen would finish the day completing 30 of 38 attempts for 359 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a fumble. On the ground, he would account for 67 more yards.
Sherfield, meanwhile, caught three of his four targets for 24 yards and the aforementioned score, a pivotal takeaway from an otherwise quiet outing.
Awestruck by his quarterback, Sherfield is akin to the Buffalo faithful waiting to show their support against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
“It’s an honor to play with him,” he concluded. “It’s an honor to catch passes from him, and I’m so grateful to be able to play with him.”
Sherfield will have a chance to once again make an impact, this time in the Wild Card Round, when the contest kicks off at 1 p.m. on CBS.
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