In the remaining stretch of the regular season, Josh Allen understands that the Buffalo Bills’ manner of winning holds little significance.
The Bills faced difficulties in handling a weakened Los Angeles Chargers squad on Saturday night. They had to rely on a late field goal to secure a narrow 24-22 victory against a team that lacked their quarterback and top wide receiver, and was operating under an interim head coach.
While the victory may not have been aesthetically pleasing, it signified a significant progression for the Bills. More importantly, it granted them the power to determine their playoff destiny.
“We found a way,” Allen told reporters after the game.
Josh Allen Called Chargers a ‘Dangerous’ Team
The Bills entered the December 23 game as significant favorites against the Chargers, who had undergone major changes the week prior, dismissing head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco following a humiliating 63-21 defeat by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Josh Allen acknowledged that following such substantial changes, the Chargers would likely play with heightened motivation. He recognized the challenge of facing a team that had nothing to lose, considering them a formidable opponent.
“It’s challenging because when you’re up against a team with no constraints, they become a threat,” Allen remarked. “We battled through and managed to find a way. For us, these games are like our playoffs. The method didn’t matter, it was about securing the wins.”
Allen contributed three touchdowns during the game—two through rushing plays and one touchdown pass to wide receiver Gabe Davis.
Despite the Chargers playing with backup quarterback Easton Stick, who had minimal prior playtime, they remained competitive throughout the game. They even managed to seize a late fourth-quarter lead before Allen led the Bills on the winning drive that ended with a successful field goal.
Following the game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott commended their team’s preparation, especially after a tumultuous week.
“The Chargers surprised us by executing some strategies they hadn’t displayed earlier this season. They came in well-prepared,” McDermott acknowledged. “I believe our team settled into the game and responded effectively. We performed admirably in the red zone and executed crucial plays on third down, which proved pivotal for our success.”
Bills Have Chance to Avenge Loss to Rival
The Bills have an opportunity to improve their playoff positioning and seek redemption against their rival, the New England Patriots. Hosting the Patriots on December 31, Heavy projections backed by Quarter4 suggest an 81% probability of a Bills win.
Josh Allen emphasized the immediate focus on the upcoming game, stating, “Our focus is solely on this week. We have a few days to strategize against them, learn from our previous encounters, and aim to secure another victory.”
In their prior matchup on October 22, the Bills suffered a 29-25 loss to the Patriots, despite Allen’s late one-yard touchdown run. Mac Jones, who is now benched, orchestrated a game-winning touchdown drive for the Patriots.
The upcoming game against the Patriots not only offers the Bills a chance to make amends for their previous defeat but also presents an opportunity to set up a potentially decisive showdown for the division title in the season finale. If the Bills defeat the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins lose to the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens, then the Week 18 clash between the Bills and Dolphins would determine the AFC East champion.
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