The Bills fell behind 14-0 and 21-7 before finally losing 27-20. The loss effectively eliminates the Bills from playoff contention for the 17th consecutive year.
The Bills defense shined at times, intercepting Ben Roethlisberger three times. They dragged at others, allowing Pittsburgh RB Le’Veon Bell to rush for 236 yards en route to 298 all-purpose yards.
The Bills offense, meanwhile, started slow and looked ugly at times, punting on four of their five first half drives. Their only first-half points came as the result of a Stephon Gilmore interception that gave the Bills the ball just seven yards from the end zone. Tyrod Taylor hit Sammy Watkins with a pass for six points.
The second half didn’t start much better with the Bills’ offense punting on their first two possessions. The defense kicked in with one of their three interceptions, only to have Taylor follow with an interception of his own on the next play.
Buffalo got a late touchdown from LeSean McCoy with just over a minute remaining, but their on-side kick attempt was woefully unsuccessful, failing to go the necessary 10 yards.
Next week, the Bills host the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. at New Era Field. There is some question as to who may be coaching the team, as rumors swirled around New Era Field about the potential dismissal of Rex Ryan as early as Monday morning. Ryan said following the game that he had not heard such speculation.
