The Buffalo Bills were once again involved in one of the craziest matches in recent NFL history as they dramatically lost 33-30 to the Minnesota Vikings in exceptional circumstances on Sunday.
Back in January, quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills came up short in an incredible Divisional Round playoff game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. This time, the Bills fell in a regular season match that saw the MVP candidate make a number of errors down the stretch amid simply chaotic on-field action.
The defeat is undoubtedly a crushing blow for Buffalo as they held a 27-10 lead in the third quarter. Allen’s decision-making is now a legitimate concern for the AFC hopefuls given he has thrown four interceptions in the last two weeks - including three in the red zone - while he’s thrown just one touchdown.
The Bills are 0-2 in the last two weeks, and they find themselves tied for second place in the AFC East along with the New York Jets. Even deep in the fourth quarter, it appeared elementary that Buffalo would hold off the Vikings and secure the win on Sunday.
In the fourth quarter, the drama began. The Vikings were down 27-23 following a missed extra point on CJ Ham’s touchdown and needed a score to win the game. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins orchestrated a 12-play, 75-yard drive ultimately spearheaded by superstar receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson caught everything thrown his way, including a truly unbelievable 32-yard one-handed catch on fourth and 18 yards. His spectacular play was ultimately for naught as the Vikings - who had a touchdown ruled out as Jefferson was judged to have been tackled at the one - were denied on a quarterback sneak.
It meant the Bills took over inches from their own end zone with 41 seconds left. However, a final twist meant Buffalo botched the snap, allowing Allen to fumble before the Vikings smothered the loose ball to score a defensive touchdown and take a 30-27 lead with 36 seconds remaining.
Allen then drove Buffalo downfield thanks in large to a Gabe Davis catch that should have been ruled incomplete, and Tyler Bass struck a field goal to send the match to overtime. The Vikings marched but could only find a field goal to take a slender 33-30 lead - could the Bills respond again?
Ultimately, no. Allen led a fine drive, relying on his legs and physical strength to gain crucial yards. However, he made a poor read to try and force the ball to Davis, allowing Patrick Peterson to intercept him and win the game for Minnesota.
It leaves Buffalo third in the AFC East as the Jets have the tiebreaker, while Allen and co. own a 6-3 record following back-to-back defeats. Meanwhile, the Vikings are 8-1 and must be considered genuine Super Bowl contenders.
He may not be one of the most heralded quarterbacks, but Cousins has been in inspired form in 2022. The win over the Bills marked the fifth time this season he has engineered a fourth-quarter comeback, tying the NFL record. The fact it was in Buffalo down by 17 points is particularly remarkable.
The Vikings welcome the Dallas Cowboys to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, while the Bills host the Cleveland Browns as they hope to return to winning ways in Week 11.
