ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Bills, led by coach Sean McDermott and quarterback Josh Allen, find themselves at a crucial juncture as they prepare to face the formidable Baltimore Ravens, featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, in a pivotal playoff matchup this Sunday. The anticipation is palpable in Buffalo as the team seeks to alter the narrative surrounding its struggles against the AFC’s top contenders.
The Ravens, who previously dominated the Bills with a 35-10 victory earlier in the season, present a significant challenge. The Baltimore squad is much the same, if not stronger, than the one that exposed the weaknesses in Buffalo’s young and injury-riddled defense. For a team that has consistently enjoyed regular-season success over the past five years as champions of the AFC East, the Bills’ playoff record remains a sore spot, having faced elimination in the divisional round three consecutive years — twice at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs and once against the Cincinnati Bengals since their last appearance in the AFC Championship game in the 2020 season.
Fans have begun to scrutinize McDermott’s leadership, questioning whether he is effectively utilizing Allen’s prime years as the team continues to falter in the postseason. While some could argue that the Ravens have experienced similar playoff disappointments under coach John Harbaugh since Jackson joined the team in 2018, the stakes are undeniably high for this matchup. “This is what everyone’s been waiting for,” McDermott expressed following the Bills’ decisive 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos in wild-card play.
Despite their record, the Bills face the challenge of overcoming their poorest performance this season in several critical categories, such as point differential and yards gained. However, there are positive indicators moving into the game, particularly with Buffalo’s perfect home record of 9-0 this season. Moreover, the Bills appear to be healthier, having lacked three defensive starters during their last meeting with the Ravens, which significantly impacted their performance.
A notable change also includes a more diversified offensive strategy, reducing the reliance on Allen to carry the team. In recent games, the Bills have demonstrated enhanced balance, with 20 of their 33 total touchdowns of the season coming in the last nine games. The acquisition of wide receiver Amari Cooper also adds an extra layer of depth to the receiving corps, potentially drawing defensive focus away from other key players.
This varied offensive output was evident in the game against the Broncos, where the Bills amassed a total of 471 yards, showcasing a balanced attack with both the passing and rushing teams contributing significantly. Allen displayed versatility by completing passes to eight different players while maintaining a decisive edge in time of possession, which helped deplete the energy of their opponents.
When asked about the upcoming contest, left tackle Dion Dawkins expressed optimism: “We have a lot of competitors on this team, and when juggernauts come to town, the intensity is up and I love it,” he stated, hinting at the excitement and determination brewing within the team.
Examining what is contributing to their success, one key area is ball security. The Bills achieved their 11th outing without a turnover this season against the Broncos, holding an 8-3 record in games without mishaps. However, their inefficiency in the red zone is an aspect needing improvement, as their scoring opportunities dwindled to four conversions for one touchdown and three field goals.
Key player performances highlight the Bills’ offense, with wide receiver Curtis Samuel stepping up with three catches for a leading 68 yards. Meanwhile, the special teams unit faced criticism after being caught off guard with a fake punt by the Broncos, making it a point of concern for coach McDermott moving forward.
Various injuries are also a factor as rookie running back Ray Davis is now in concussion protocol and reserve offensive tackle Alec Anderson is day-to-day with a calf injury. The special teams returner Brandon Codrington is on the mend after a recent hamstring issue.
As the Bills prepare to take on the Ravens, one key stat is McDermott’s playoff record, which stands at 6-6 in Buffalo. The team aims to harness this positive momentum heading into a meeting with Jackson and the Ravens, who had previously been defeated by the Bills in the 2020 divisional playoff, making for an intriguing rematch.
