The Buffalo Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins in a tough 32-29 contest on a cold and snowy Sunday at home in Orchard Park in Week 15.
It avenged a road loss earlier this season that they deemed a “learning experience.”
The win marks the Bills’ third straight against an AFC East rival, strengthening their position atop their division and hold on the No. 1 seed in the conference overall. It also clinched a playoff spot.
But it didn’t come easily. After Buffalo went into the half with a good offensive rhythm and a 21-13 lead, Miami would find a rhythm of their own and take an eight-point lead while limiting quarterback Josh Allen and company from any scoring.
Until late in the fourth quarter, that is.
Right as snow began to fall from the sky, it was the Bills who brought the rain, fighting back on both sides of the ball to gut out a win on a Tyler Bass field goal.
Head coach Sean McDermott knew both what went into a game like this one, as well as the value it carried for the team and their fans.
“It took everything we had to pull this one out tonight,” McDermott said after the game. “It just makes it special. … You know, like I said, humbling. Really, that’s how I feel about it. Humbled to be a part of it in this great town that doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves, honestly. And the fans, I mean, this place is unique. So, just awesome. Awesome.”
The Bills now sit atop the AFC at 11-3 with road games against the Bears and Bengals and a season finale at home against the Patriots ahead of them.
And with a playoff spot secured, the team is turning their focus to their final regular season goal, as they prepare for a run at the postseason and a championship.
“That’s the No. 1 thing Coach McDermott preaches, is playoff-caliber; can’t win the Super Bowl unless you make the playoffs,” Allen added. “So that’s goal No. 1 down. Goal No. 2 now is to clinch the division. That’s how we’ll take it. We’ll take it one game at a time. Be ready for next week.”
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