Quarterback Josh Allen has finally exorcised the Buffalo Bills' long-standing road playoff demons, masterminding a nail-biting 27-24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Sunday's AFC wild-card opener. The win marks the franchise's first postseason triumph away from home in over three decades.
Allen's Gritty Performance Seals Historic Win
In a performance defined by resilience, Josh Allen was the catalyst for the Bills' success. Facing a fierce Jacksonville pass rush, he executed a game plan built on quick throws, completing 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown. Crucially, he played a clean game with zero turnovers and was sacked just once.
Allen's impact was not limited to the air. He also powered in for two rushing touchdowns, including the decisive score with under two minutes to play. The winning drive showcased his tenacity: on a critical third down, he refused to be tackled on a 10-yard sneak, before finding receiver Brandin Cooks for a 36-yard gain moments later. He then capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to reclaim the lead.
Ending a Notorious Postseason Streak
This victory shattered one of the NFL's most enduring negative records. The Bills had not won a playoff game on the road since the 1992 AFC championship game in Miami, a staggering drought spanning 33 years. Under head coach Sean McDermott, the team had been 0-5 in road playoff contests, a run that began with a loss in Jacksonville back in the 2017 wild-card round.
The burden was heavy, especially with the team's regular offensive engine stalled. NFL regular-season rushing leader James Cook was largely contained, managing only 46 yards from 15 carries. This placed the offensive onus squarely on Allen's shoulders, a challenge he met emphatically.
Jaguars' Late Rally Falls Short
The Jacksonville Jaguars, who finished the regular season with an identical 13-5 record to Buffalo, fought valiantly. They had taken a late lead with just over four minutes remaining, putting the historic Bills streak under severe threat.
However, Allen's immediate response and a clutch defensive play sealed the outcome. On Jacksonville's final, desperate drive, the Bills' defence intercepted a deflected pass to confirm the historic result, sending Buffalo into the next round and consigning their long road playoff curse to the history books.
