INDIANAPOLIS — In a notable performance, Taron Johnson intercepted Joe Flacco’s opening pass and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown on Sunday. This set the tone for the Buffalo Bills, who dominated the Indianapolis Colts with a score of 30-20, solidifying their position at the top of the AFC East.
With this victory, the Bills improved their record to 8-2, achieving their first win in Indianapolis since 1998 and extending their winning streak to five games. Quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 passes out of 37 attempts for a total of 280 yards, including two interceptions. Additionally, he contributed significantly on the ground, rushing eight times for 50 yards. Running back James Cook also had a strong showing, carrying the ball 19 times for 80 yards.
On the other side, Flacco had a challenging game, committing four turnovers—three of which were interceptions along with a fumble—during his second start after Anthony Richardson was benched. Flacco’s performance included completing 26 of 35 passes for 272 yards and two touchdown throws. Unfortunately for the Colts (4-6), this marked their third consecutive loss.
Jonathan Taylor was a standout for the Colts, rushing 21 times for 114 yards, while rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell recorded the biggest game of his young career with six catches totaling 71 yards.
The match was filled with unexpected happenings and frequent turnovers. Just seven plays following Johnson’s interception, Flacco was picked off again near midfield, allowing the Bills to convert the turnover into a quick field goal, taking a 10-0 lead.
The Colts fought back, as Taylor made a significant 59-yard run that set the stage for Matt Gay’s first field goal. After the Colts’ defense held the Bills on fourth down, Flacco connected with Tyler Goodson on a 2-yard touchdown pass, which managed to level the score at 10.
However, following an interception by Allen in the next series for Buffalo, another field goal by the Colts put them ahead 13-10. But Allen quickly regained his composure, executing a 13-yard touchdown run that tied him with the late O.J. Simpson for the second-most rushing touchdowns (57) in the franchise’s history, thereby giving the Bills a 17-13 advantage. Tyler Bass contributed with successful field goals toward the end of the first half and early in the fourth quarter, while Cook solidified the victory with a 2-yard touchdown run late in the game.
In terms of injuries, the Bills were without two key receivers at the start, rookie Keon Coleman and newly acquired Amari Cooper. Tight end Dalton Kincaid also left the game due to a knee injury, while right tackle Spencer Brown had a brief exit due to an ankle concern.
The Colts, meanwhile, deactivated their leading receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. due to a back issue and found themselves fielding three rookie offensive linemen after left tackle Bernhard Raimann exited the game with a knee injury in the first half.
Looking ahead, the Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs in an anticipated matchup next Sunday, while the Colts are set to take on the New York Jets in their next contest.