With his rocket arm and clumsy footwork, the Bills great rocketed to the top of the quarterbacking ranks, making him a regular-season darling throughout his career.
However, the postseason has usually been an entirely different affair. Throughout his brief career, Buffalo’s superstar has struggled at various points, going 4-4 in his first eight playoff starts.
Not today, though. Against the Steelers defense, Allen was all the Bills needed and more. And with 282 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns, Allen’s special combination of skills proved crucial as Buffalo defeated the Steelers 31–17, reserving a January matchup with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for the following week.
On Monday, Allen had the perfect amount of poise as he found a hot streak despite the freezing winds circling Highmark Stadium. With T.J. Watt out of the picture, the Pittsburgh defense was left reeling as he completed 21 of 30 ball attempts for 203 yards and three touchdowns.
Here on the ground, he was much more animated. On grass, Allen ran for 79 yards, including an NFL record-setting 52-yard touchdown run.
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Buffalo required all of the assistance. For the majority of the first half hour, Mason Rudolph (22 of 39 passes, 229 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception) and the Steelers appeared to be lacking in resolve. Nonetheless, Pittsburgh’s offense found life in the second half, providing a brief period of relief. In the fourth quarter, the Black-and-Gold even got within one possession of winning the game.
But Allen would not allow his opponents to get any closer. And once Buffalo connected Khalil Shakir with a pass and let the small wideout do the rest, it was evident that this version of the team was unique. At least enough of a departure to avoid an embarrassing loss in the first round of the postseason.
Sporting News followed live reports from the Steelers vs. Bills wild-card game on Monday. Watch the action as it happens live at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo below for highlights and the latest scores.
