Dissecting how the Bills found themselves on the wrong side of history in their Week 14 setback.
The Buffalo Bills (10-3) became the first team in NFL history to score six touchdowns with zero turnovers that still found a way to lose the game, as Buffalo’s defense was atrocious and the special teams spotted the home team an easy touchdown during Sunday’s 44-42 shootout loss to the Los Angeles Rams (7-6) in Southern California.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with final thoughts and observations as the Bills saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end vs. the Rams.
Final thoughts on the loss to the Rams
The Bills found themselves on the wrong end of history Sunday afternoon, and because of a defense that couldn’t come up with a big stop and a special teams unit that allowed the Rams to return a blocked punt for a touchdown, Buffalo wasted a special outing from quarterback Josh Allen, who became the first NFL quarterback to ever pass for three touchdowns and score three touchdowns in a single game.
The Bills suffered the shootout loss because their defense, which had been exceeding expectations all season long, had an abysmal effort against Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and the Rams’ high-octane passing attack, and allowed the Rams’ running backs to break off big runs all game long. They lost because of a horrible miscue on special teams. They lost because of some questionable late-game decision-making from head coach Sean McDermott.
Below: Read thoughts and observations from the loss, Buffalo’s first setback since falling to the Houston Texans in Week 5.
- Three questions: Run defense looms as recurring worry for Bills – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Upon Further Review: With 14 targets against the Rams, it’s clear Amari Cooper has Josh Allen’s trust – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Sean McDermott recognizes ‘good sign’ from Amari Cooper’s Week 14 effort – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Bills notebook | On Amari Cooper’s performance, revisiting the QB sneak call and assessing the defense – BuffaloBills.com
- Buffalo Bills HC reveals major regret against Rams – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Sean McDermott tries to explain how Bills lost despite scoring 42 points – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Position grades: Bills’ defense sinks in third-down ranking after loss to Rams – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Bills PFF Week 14 Grades: Tackling dooms Buffalo’s defense vs. Rams – newyorkupstate.com
- Joe Brady watch: Playing from behind, Bills rolled with three wides – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- DeWayne Carter returns to defensive line rotation for Bills in loss to Rams – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- NFL Week 14 best and worst coaching decisions: Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks now getting it – The Athletic (subscription required)
- Tom Brady delivers his best NFL TV moment yet during Rams-Bills thriller – The Athletic (subscription required)
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