Josh Allen Flexing, Bills Dominating Steelers at Halftime
The Buffalo Bills were favored by double-digits against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a notably high spread for a game without a lofty total points projection. Two quarters into their Wild Card matchup and they look well on their way to covering.
The Bills, as the second seed in the AFC, welcomed the seventh-seeded Steelers into Highmark Stadium with the help of Bills Mafia. They quickly got to work and currently lead 21-7.
After stopping Pittsburgh on the opening drive, Josh Allen finished the first opening drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dawson Knox. After the two teams traded three-and-outs, and Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens fumbled, Buffalo once again found the end zone. Allen hit rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid on a Cover 2 beater for a 29-yard score.
Josh Allen Steelers
© Kirby Lee, USA TODAY
Two drives later, the Steelers were threatening. Down 14-0, they entered the red zone (with the help of a controversial fumble call) and looked to cut the lead in half. Instead, quarterback Mason Rudolph was intercepted by corner Kaiir Elam, seeing playing time in Rasul Douglas’ absence.
With the momentum seemingly in Buffalo’s favor, the floodgates began to open. On third-and-7 from the Buffalo 48-yard line, Allen ripped off a run that will find its way into his career highlight reel. He ripped off a 52-yard run, complete with a broken tackle and a burst of speed.
Pittsburgh, once again, punted before it could find a first down and, frankly, it doesn’t feel like they have the firepower to keep up.
However, a Tyler Bass field goal was blocked, and punter Sam Martin limped off the field after attempting to chase down the football. His health is vital to Buffalo's special teams. Pittsburgh would recover with strong field position. Receiver Diontae Johnson would finish that drive with the Steelers' first score of the evening.
Bills receiver Stefon Diggs was slow to get up after safety Minkah Fitzpatrick brought him to the ground, but was able to walk off the field.
Superstars can take over and win games, and Allen did just that, scoring thrice in the first two quarters.
It’ll be on Allen to keep the ball safe and prevent chaos from putting its fingerprints on this game. Barring abject disaster, Buffalo is 30 minutes away from the Divisional Round and a date with the Kansas City Chiefs.
