The Buffalo Bills defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 in the AFC wild-card playoff game, with Josh Allen shining with three touchdown passes and a franchise playoff-record 52-yard touchdown run. The Highmark Stadium witnessed a spectacular scene as snow filled the air like confetti when Allen connected with Khalil Shakir for a 17-yard touchdown pass. The Bills, seeded second and on a five-game winning streak to close the regular season, will now host the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round, setting up a showdown with Patrick Mahomes and company on Sunday night.
The quotes you provided showcase the determination and resilience of the Buffalo Bills, especially quarterback Josh Allen, in their playoff victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen emphasizes the team effort and the gratitude for the opportunity to play another game. He also highlights the challenge of facing the Kansas City Chiefs and their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Allen’s performance, making NFL playoff history with his passing and rushing stats, reflects his impact on the game. Meanwhile, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledges the team’s shortcomings, particularly turnovers, which ultimately hindered their competitiveness in the match.
Asked about his future in Pittsburgh after completing his 17th season — all of them with a record of .500 or better — Tomlin smirked and walked away.
Buffalo had a to wait an extra day to host the Steelers after a dangerous storm that dumped more than 2 feet of snow on the region, leading the NFL to bump the game from its scheduled Sunday afternoon start.
The elements didn’t play much of a factor. Though temperatures were in the teens, the skies were clear and there was only a slight breeze blowing in off Lake Erie.
The Steelers came out flat, allowing Buffalo to score touchdowns on three of its first five possessions and build a 21-0 lead on Allen’s electrifying touchdown run midway through the second quarter.
Rudolph went 22 of 39 for 229 yards with an interception.
Allen’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Dawson Knox capped an 80-yard opening drive for the Bills.
After Buffalo linebacker Terrel Bernard recovered receiver George Pickens’ fumble at the Pittsburgh 29, Allen threw a TD pass to Dalton Kincaid on the next play.
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Allen’s touchdown run followed cornerback Kaiir Elam’s interception of Rudolph’s pass intended for Diontae Johnson in the end zone. The Steelers seized the opportunity after the Bills’ mistake, blocking Tyler Bass’ 49-yard field goal attempt into the wind, recovered by Nick Herbig at Buffalo’s 33-yard line. Rudolph connected with Johnson for a 10-yard touchdown pass five plays later, narrowing the score to 24-17 on Rudolph’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin with 10:32 remaining.
Despite injuries depleting the Bills’ defense, they held firm, allowing 324 yards and limiting the Steelers to converting 5 of 11 third-down opportunities. Bernard and starting nickelback Taron Johnson were both sidelined due to injuries, with Rasul Douglas and Tyrel Dodson already out at the start of the game.
