Bills D Makes Major Statement in Playoff Win Over Ravens

Jackson and the Ravens moved down the field with relative ease, punching in a 16-yard touchdown on a throw to Rashod Bateman. Once again, Buffalo found themselves pitted in a 7-0 deficit from the jump. 

From that point forward, the Bills cleaned up their game. They would not stop Baltimore each time down the field, evidenced in the concession of 416 total yards. Yet, they made winning plays at necessary moments to keep momentum in their favor. 

The first two takeaways came on ensuing possessions that followed the initial score. Jackson lofted an interception Taylor Rapp then had the ball poked away by Damar Hamlin and recovered by Von Miller on a play that flipped the field in favor of Buffalo. 

Those two plays helped the Bills build a 21-10 lead at halftime, seizing control of the game with some help from the offense. However, the challenge turned up a few notches in the second half. 

Jackson rid himself of the turnover bug and the Bills' offense slowed their pace, adding some difficulty to the task at hand. Nonetheless, the defense kept making the timely plays that did just enough to fend off their opponent. 

Matt Milano's deflection on a two-point attempt to tie the game in the third quarter kept the Bills in front. When the Ravens had the ball next and looked to take the lead back, Terrel Bernard punched out and recovered a fumble in a remarkable play on Mark Andrews at midfield. 

Buffalo's defense has stars who have shined individually at moments this season. Sunday though demonstrated a total team effort that highlighted the best qualities of several players in key moments. 

They now face a familiar foe that stands in the way of their returning to the Super Bowl. The Bills know they have a quarterback and a supporting cast on offense trusted to deliver in big moments. 

But if Buffalo gets these similar contributions defensively against the Kansas City Chiefs next week, they may have enough to finally break through.