‘The Bills’ ability to run the ball against a strong Denver defense set the table for the blowout.’
BillsBeat - January 13, 2025
Takeaways, game balls, gassers from Buffalo Bills' playoff win over Denver Broncos
‘The Broncos’ first touchdown was schemed up well by coach/play-caller Sean Payton. On second-and-4, rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin lined up in a tight split next to the offensive line. At the snap, Franklin ran straight downfield, splitting safety Taylor Rapp (inside) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (outside) to get open for a 43-yard touchdown catch. Franklin’s previous long catch was 30 yards.’
Plays that shaped the game: Bills schemed up big play for Curtis Samuel in rout of Broncos
‘The Buffalo Bills used a bunch formation and some late motion to get a long touchdown pass and break open Sunday’s wild-card playoff game against the Denver Broncos.’
Report Card: Run defense, rushing attack earn high grades in Bills' big win over Broncos
‘Very little not to like. The game plan from offensive coordinator Joe Brady was masterful in spreading the ball. The plays got in on time. Brady can use the tape of this game in his interviews for head coaching jobs. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich’s group rebounded after a rocky start.’
Josh Allen's spectacular touchdown pass ignites Bills' playoff dismantling of Broncos
‘“I’ve been saying Ty Johnson’s the best third-down back in football,” Allen said. “The things that he’s able to do for us, the way we can communicate, him in the pass game blocking and running the ball, he does it all. I’m so proud of him. He made a heck of a play. It was fourth down, no point in holding it, taking a sack there. They played man and (I) just gave him a chance.”‘
Bills report card: Nearly straight 'As' as Buffalo shrugs off miscue to dominate Broncos
‘One of the best ways to slow down a great pass rush, which Denver certainly has, is to run the ball and wow, did the Bills ever run it. James Cook had 90 yards in the first half and finished with 120 and a touchdown, Johnson had 44 tough yards, and Allen was his usual dynamic self as he finished with 46.’
Unheralded Bills o-line vindicated in playoff rout
‘At least a dozen of those Cook yards probably deserve an “assist” credited to Dion Dawkins and the rest of the offensive line. In the first quarter, on Buffalo’s first touchdown drive, Cook’s first-down carry looked to be about finished after a four or five-yard gain, wrapped up by safety Brandon Jones. Then came Dawkins, who grabbed on to the running back, and his linemates joined him to keep the push going for a 16-yard gain.’
Johnson’s improbable grab a huge swing in Bills’ win
‘In a massive swing play, the Bills faced fourth and one at the Denver 24-yard line in the third quarter Sunday, looking to add to a one-score lead. But rather than sending Josh Allen up the middle for a QB sneak to push for that extra yard, Buffalo went shotgun, but all of Allen’s receiving options were blanketed, long enough for the pass rush to close in on him. But he scrambled to the right and kept looking downfield and took a shot to running back Ty Johnson, cutting across the back of the end zone.’
Bills run away from Broncos behind record-breaking Josh Allen performance (Observations)
‘Buffalo’s special teams units have had several gaffs down the season’s stretch. Against the Los Angeles Rams, the Bills had a punt blocked and then only trotted out nine players on the Rams’ final punt of the game. Bills coach Sean McDermott has reaffirmed his confidence in special teams coach Matthew Smiley when asked about the special teams issues, but Smiley’s job security beyond this season is in question.’
Is Bills run defense fixed? With Ravens up next, it better be: ‘It’s gonna be a bloodbath’
‘Buffalo’s strong defensive performance comes at a critical time, with the Baltimore Ravens set to visit Highmark Stadium next week. Derrick Henry ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. The Steelers had 10 games in the regular season where they held teams under 100 yards rushing. Baltimore rushed for 299 in their playoff win Saturday and 220 in their Week 16 win.’
Did Bills’ Josh Allen have 3-word message after getting snubbed for 1st-team All-Pro?
‘F— ‘Em All.’
Bills’ Von Miller shares savage response to Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II following 31-7 win
‘Following the win, Miller made sure to send a jab back to Surtain. In his Instagram story, Miller used a Michael Jordan clip to poke fun at Surtain’s pre-game comments.’
Bills score 31 unanswered in blowout win over Broncos on Wild Card Weekend (Encouraged/worried)
‘Matthew Smiley: Another game, another special teams gaffe.’
NFL playoff schedule: Date and time set for Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens divisional round matchup
‘As the premiere matchup of the divisional round, it’s no surprise that the NFL announced that it would be the finale of the weekend. Buffalo will host Baltimore on Sunday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. on CBS.’
Cook's heroics help Bills cruise past Broncos, set up Divisional Round matchup with Ravens
‘The play felt like a much needed shot of life for a Bills team who had failed to cash in on two previous red zone trips. Buffalo dominated the game in terms of time of possession and yardage, but lacked the explosive plays they needed to pull away. The Bills racked up 471 total yards and held the ball for 38:23, leaning on their ground attack that compiled 200 yards. James Cook headlined with 120 rushing yards, the first 100-yard rushing performance from a Bill in a playoff game since Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas had 158 yards in a win over the Dolphins in 1995.’