It’s been a back-and-forth affair at Lucas Oil Stadium
The Buffalo Bills lead the Indianapolis Colts 20-13 at the half, which is a surprising on several fronts. Remember when quarterback Joe Flacco was throwing interceptions on nearly every pass? That made for an incredible start by the Bills’ defense, which began the day by picking off Flacco twice, returning the first for a touchdown, and forcing a fumble all within the first two drives by Indianapolis.
Like a broken record, here I am mentioning yet another uninspiring start from Buffalo on offense. There’s been a clear lack of explosion from the Bills this afternoon, apart from another incredible drive inside two minutes to claim three more points just before hitting the locker room.
Nickel cornerback Taron Johnson’s heads-up house call set the tone early, and defensive end Austin Johnson added the exclamation point to what was a dominant display of pregame film study from defensive coordinator Bobby Babich’s group. But the accolades quickly faded when, once again, the Bills failed to provide adequate run defense. At halftime, running back Jonathan Taylor has 107 yards on 16 carries — but, and this is key, no touchdowns.
After going up 10-0 on Indy, Buffalo soon found itself in a 13-10 hole before responding with 10 more unanswered points. Quarterback Josh Allen and his legs found their way to the end zone for the 57th time, which places him alongside Bills Hall of Fame running back OJ Simpson. The next rushing score puts him alone in second, behind Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas who scored 65 rushing touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Bills.
That’s rarified air, for any player, but especially a quarterback who isn’t usually any team’s primary rushing threat. At the half, Allen is 13-of-23 for 188 yards and one interception. Allen’s passing stats illustrate the frustrating nature of the team’s passing attack. Already down wide receivers Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman, tight end Dalton Kincaid joined the injury ward with a knee issue. His return is uncertain. At least wide receiver Curtis Samuel was involved early and often, and once again Mack Hollins came up big in a key moment — leading the team with two catches on two targets for 60 yards.
Here’s your open thread for the remainder of today’s game. As always, be kind to one another and in all things… Go Bills!