Quarterback Josh Allen delivered a heroic, physical performance to end one of the NFL's longest active curses, guiding the Buffalo Bills to a nail-biting 27-24 AFC wildcard victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Allen's Fourth-Quarter Heroics Seal Historic Win
The game was decided in the final minutes, with Allen engineering a crucial late drive. With the clock ticking down and Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd closing in, Allen launched a 36-yard pass to Brandin Cooks just before the two-minute warning. He then capped the drive himself, refusing to be brought down on a 10-yard quarterback sneak before plunging in for the game-winning one-yard touchdown run.
Allen's stat line was a model of efficient, tough football. He completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown, while also running for two scores. Critically, he was sacked only once and committed no turnovers, a disciplined display that kept Buffalo in control against a fierce Jaguars pass rush.
Ending a Decades-Long Road Hoodoo
This victory shattered a profound psychological barrier for the Bills franchise. The win marked Buffalo's first playoff victory on the road in more than 30 years, dating back to the 1992 AFC championship game in Miami. Under head coach Sean McDermott, the team had been 0-5 in road playoff games, a run that began with a loss in Jacksonville back in the 2017 wildcard round.
The Jaguars, who had taken a late lead with just over four minutes to play, had one final chance to respond. However, the Bills' defence intercepted a deflected pass on Jacksonville's last drive to seal the dramatic result.
A Necessary Performance Despite Obstacles
Allen's flawless game was particularly vital as the Bills' usual offensive weapons were contained. The NFL's regular-season rushing leader, James Cook, was held to just 46 yards on 15 carries. Allen therefore shouldered the burden, taking hits and dishing out punishment in a relentless, unbowed display that ultimately propelled his team into the next round of the NFL playoffs.
