Bills vs. Ravens: Everything we know from Buffalo win
The Buffalo Bills advance to the AFC Championship game with a 17-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. It was a ride the Bills are not very accustomed to seeing.
The first half showed off the best that each defense had to offer, as the squads entered halftime tied 3-3. Buffalo’s offense, which was dynamic at the end of the season, and Lamar Jackson, arguably the most explosive quarterback in the entire league, were both stalled by the defensive tactics of each defensive coordinator.
Buffalo found a way to break through on their first drive of the second half. The Bills used the ground game a bit more, ultimately scoring on a three-yard wide receiver screen to wideout Stefon Diggs.
The Ravens returned with a long drive of their own, but their response was thwarted by cornerback Taron Johnson. Johnson returned a Jackson interception 101 yards for a touchdown.
Buffalo’s defense would lock down the Ravens for the remainder of the game… and they’re now one win away.
With that, here’s everything we know following the Bills’ win over the Ravens in the AFC Divisional round:
Final Score: Bills 17, Ravens 3
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) grabs a hold of the jersey of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the first half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills halfback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) makes a catch as Baltimore Ravens strong safety Chuck Clark (36) and cornerback Marcus Peters (24) make the tackle during the first half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Keys to the game
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens halfback Lamar Jackson (8) runs against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Bills run defense: It was the biggest concern for the Bills defense coming into the game, and they met the challenge. The Ravens rushing attack was good, but Baltimore did not break out as they have in previous games. The Ravens ran for 150 yards on the day...Containing Jackson: Buffalo's defense was in Ravens' backfield all evening. Buffalo's front four was stout in not allowing Lamar Jackson to break out. Jackson rushed eight times for only 34 yards...Halftime adjustments: Buffalo's offense was pass-heavy in the first quarter, calling 22 passes to only two rushes. At the start of the second half, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll called more running plays and got running back Devin Singletary involved on the drive. Singletary rushed three times for 20 yards and caught one pass for nine yards. The drive ended with the game's only offensive touchdown.
3 stars of the game
Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) reacts after a catch for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Stefon Diggs- Diggs had another strong game for the Bills. Diggs found space against a challenging Ravens secondary. He scored the only offensive touchdown of the game. He ended the night with eight catches, 106 receiving yards, and one touchdown score.
Jerry Hughes--Hughes was a thorn in the side of the Ravens' offensive line. He put constant pressure on Lamar Jackson throughout the night. When Jackson did attempt to scramble, he was met by Hughes on the edge. Hughes had three tackles and two sacks on the evening.
Taron Johnson--Johnson made the play of the game, intercepting Jackson in the end zone and returning the interception 101 yards for a pick-six.
It was over when...
https://twitter.com/BradleyGelber/status/1350641634321584130 Buffalo scored a touchdown on their opening possession of the second half to give themselves the lead for good on the night. Buffalo moved down the field in 11 plays, culminating with a three-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Stefon Diggs. After the Bills lined up, Allen saw that there were only two Ravens defenders out wide covering three receivers. Buffalo snapped the ball quickly, and Allen got the ball into Diggs' hands quickly. Gabe Davis and John Brown provided the blocking on the screen and Diggs burrowed his way into the end zone for the score.
Making history
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Taron Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills runs back an intereception for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Taron Johnson's interception was the play of the game. The pick-six completely swung the game in Buffalo's favor. Baltimore was denied an opportunity at closing the gap on the scoreboard, while the Bills increased their lead. The 101-yard interception return by Johnson tied the NFL postseason record for the longest interception return in league history.
What's next?
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo will take on the winner of tomorrow's AFC matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns. The Chiefs enter the game off of a bye week after earning the top seed in the AFC playoffs with their 14-2 record. The Browns knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers last week during Super Wild Card weekend action. If Kansas City wins on Sunday, then the Bills will travel out West for their first playoff game away from Bills Stadium. If the Browns are successful, then Buffalo will host Cleveland in the AFC Championship game.
Nov 10, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) shakes hands with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) after the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
