WATCH: Deonte Harty Ties Game for Buffalo Bills With 95-Yard Punt Return
The Buffalo Bills have tripped over themselves repeatedly through the first three quarters of Week 18.
In the biggest game of their season, quarterback Josh Allen committed three turnovers, and key blunders in the form of penalties and clock (mis)management helped give the Miami Dolphins a 14-7 lead.
It might not matter.
© Daniel Bartel, USA TODAY
After a convincing stop from the Bills defense, Miami was forced to punt to receiver Deonte Harty. The Dolphins would regret it.
Harty took the return 95 yards and to the house, tying the game with 14 minutes remaining in the NFL regular season.
The special teams standout made the first two Dolphins miss before accelerating past a majority of Miami’s unit. With the punter occupied and Harty already at full speed, there was little contest.
The touchdown was the momentum shift Buffalo so badly needed. Their mistakes washed away, Harty’s score – paired with a successful extra point from kicker Tyler Bass – tied the game at 14.
Adding to the intrigue, it was the longest return in Bills' history, per the NBC broadcast. Few have been more important.
The winner of Sunday’s game will take home an AFC East title and home field in the Wild Card Round next week. With a win, Buffalo would own the second seed in the AFC and host the Pittsburgh Steelers. A loss and the Dolphins would reign supreme, at least for one more week, when they once again would host the Bills.
Regardless of the outcome, Harty’s score locked in an entertaining finish to an already incredible game.
