In a thrilling match that ended the Buffalo Bills’ seven-game winning streak, quarterback Josh Allen made history with a record-breaking performance. Despite Allen’s outstanding display, the Bills narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Rams 44-42 on December 8, 2024.
Josh Allen achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first NFL player to record three touchdown passes and three rushing touchdowns in the same game. He threw for 324 yards and ran for 82 yards, demonstrating his versatility and skill. Allen’s exceptional performance, however, was not enough to secure a victory for the Bills.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Bills faced a critical moment. Trailing by nine points, Allen attempted a sneak from the Rams’ 1-yard line but was stopped for no gain. Despite his subsequent successful rushing touchdown, the Bills failed to recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing the Rams to run out the clock and claim the win.
Coach Sean McDermott defended the decision to call a timeout instead of spiking the ball after the failed sneak attempt, explaining that they aimed to preserve time for a potential comeback. “We ran what we thought was our best play all year,” McDermott stated, acknowledging the tough choice between available options.
The defeat places the Bills at 10-3, tying them with Pittsburgh for the second seed in the AFC, while Kansas City maintains the top spot. Despite the setback, Allen’s short-yardage sneak attempts continue to be a strength, having been stopped only three times in 19 attempts this season, two of which occurred at the opponents’ 1-yard line.
Rams coach Sean McVay praised Allen as a formidable opponent, labeling him a legitimate MVP candidate due to his multifaceted abilities. “He can beat you from the pocket, with his mind, his arm, or his legs,” McVay remarked, emphasizing the challenge Allen presents to opposing teams.
Buffalo struggled on defense, forcing the Rams to punt only twice. A special teams mishap in the second quarter, where Sam Martin’s punt was blocked and returned for a touchdown, further compounded their difficulties. Allen expressed disappointment over missed scoring opportunities before and after halftime, stressing the need to perform better across all phases of the game.
Despite the loss, Allen’s performance drew comparisons to NFL greats like Kordell Stewart and Steve Young, highlighting his impact on the field. As the Bills prepare to face the top-ranked Detroit next week, McDermott acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in supporting Allen’s efforts.
Allen’s historic performance showcased his remarkable talent, yet underscored the reality that football is a team sport. Moving forward, the Bills must address their shortcomings and build on what remains a promising season. The upcoming match against Detroit poses another tough challenge, testing their resilience and determination.
Source: Local10
