Special teams did, indeed, play a big part
Prior to kickoff between these two teams, Bills Wire was among many who though special teams could be a difference-maker in this one and the kickers in particular.
Well, they did… but not exactly how we imagined.
Buffalo is known for its weather. There’s two factors that are often mentioned. The first is the snow, but that mostly held off once the game started. But then there’s the wind tunnel that is Orchard Park.
The gusts certainly made up for the lack of fluffy stuff.
Both Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and Bills rookie Tyler Bass had a tough time with this breeze. Both guys missed two kicks, but luckily, Bass applied the early pressure, at least. He connected from 28 on his first kick, which was also the first points of the game.
Bass then missed from 43, but with a chance to tie it, the four-time All-Pro in Tucker missed from 46 and then from 34… yikes. Tucker’s known for never missing, and against the Bills he missed two kicks from inside 50 yards for the first time in his entire career.
Prior to halftime, Tucker did hit one from 34 to tie the game at 3-3 going into the second half, but those early misses were certainly momentum building opportunities missed, benefitting Buffalo.
In the second half, Bass missed another kick as both guys went 1-for-3. That would’ve put the game out of reach, but Buffalo still put it away in the end.
Justin Tucker missed ANOTHER field goal 😳
(via @NFLBrasil)pic.twitter.com/pnM3mAnzGS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 17, 2021