There will be more opportunities to further dissect how, precisely, the Bills figured Baltimore’s offense out. Two turnovers—one of the fluke variety (more on that in a moment)—certainly helps in that effort. The rainy weather certainly didn’t hurt. But whatever the means, holding an offense spearheaded by Lamar Jackson to zero points in an entire half of football is a major accomplishment.

Offensively, some adjustments were made—a great play call from offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey that yielded a 16-yard reception for Devin Singletary, and effectively set up the Bills’ ability to run out the clock should get its due lip service—but mostly, the team just settled down. Allen started using his legs, ending the game with 70 rushing yards and a score, and plenty of evaded pressures. They found ways to move the ball when they needed to—which proved difficult later in the game as the injury bug bit again.

Buffalo’s depth really is exceptional

After McKenzie exited in the third quarter with a concussion, the Bills were down to three healthy receivers—Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and fifth-round rookie Khalil Shakir. You might as well call it two and a half healthy receivers, really, with Davis clearly hampered as he played through an ankle sprain, having already dropped multiple throws.

Shakir’s first NFL reception? A key 2nd & 10 conversion on the drive that ended with an Allen touchdown run to tie the game.

Shakir’s second NFL reception? A toe-tapping catch to convert a 2nd & SHORT just before the two-minute warning on Buffalo’s game-winning drive.

Practice squad call-up defensive tackle Prince Emili, an undrafted rookie, also tipped the Jackson pass that Poyer pulled down as Buffalo’s defense started its ascent.

There are probably more examples. These are not players that the Bills want to be relying on consistently this year, but the fact that their depth players made key plays in a gritty road win against a playoff-caliber opponent bodes exceptionally well for this squad as the season progresses.

Contract-year Bills are showing out

Poyer’s return to the lineup couldn’t have timed out better. Buffalo’s secondary played better today than it did a week ago in Miami without one of their elite safeties in the lineup, particularly in the second half, and his two back-breaking interceptions are a primary reason the Bills emerged victorious.

On the first play, a Jackson pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage, and Poyer—who was blitzing off the right side of the offensive line on the play—saw the throw and the tip, then out-rebounded a crowd for the ball. On the second, Poyer reacted just in time in noticing a wide-open Ravens receiver in the corner of the end zone on a late 4th & GOAL, then beat the receiver to the ball as Jackson delivered late.

Everyone is aware that this is Poyer’s contract year, and that he’s been seeking a new deal. If he keeps making plays like this, he’ll certainly make his money somewhere.

Poyer wasn’t the only contract-year Bills defender making plays all over the field. He was outshone a bit by Matt Milano at the position—more will assuredly be written about his big day over the next 24 hours—but Tremaine Edmunds was also tremendous, even if it doesn’t show up as prominently in the stat sheet. He was a huge factor in the Bills’ efforts to corral Jackson’s rushing efforts, and he (along with Milano) made some plays in space in both phases to prevent scoring plays and big gains. For anyone who re-watches these games, keep your eyes on No. 49 this week. You’re in for a treat.

Narratives die

Buffalo won its first game decided by one score since January 9, 2021, so now we can all stop talking about that for a hot minute.

In his post-game interview with CBS, Allen casually mentioned that the Bills were now 1-7 in their last eight one-score games. Miller had a better quote.