In a game headlined by MVP co-favorite quarterbacks, Buffalo’s defense stole the show, emerging with several critical stops and takeaways.
Despite the harrowing finish, Buffalo’s defense quashed Jackson and Derrick Henry for most of the night. Baltimore’s most effective weapon through three quarters was backup tailback Justice Hill, who ran five times for 51 yards but got only one more carry in the fourth. Jackson threw an interception to Rapp in the first quarter and fumbled while being sacked by safety Damar Hamlin in the second. Von Miller scooped up the loose ball and ran 39 yards to the Ravens’ 24-yard line. The Bills scored a TD four plays later.
With the Ravens down five points and marching late, Bernard peanut-punched the ball away from Andrews after a 16-yard gain and recovered the fumble, a pivotal play. Buffalo turned that takeaway into a field goal and an eight-point lead with 3:29 to go.
Linebacker Matt Milano delivered three quarterback hits, waylaid receiver Rashod Bateman on a third-down play to force a field goal, and deflected Jackson’s pass on a two-point conversion attempt to tight end Isaiah Likely late in the third quarter. Edge rushers Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa combined for three tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
