Davis and Ty Johnson had more success, with just nine total carries between them, as each averaged at least six yards a carry. Having 147 yards on the ground sure helped make the decision to run the ball easier. That led to Buffalo winning the time of possession with over 31 minutes with the ball to Baltimore’s over 28 minutes.
Sean McDermott had some conservative moments with his game situational decisions, with the biggest one coming late in the game. While the decision paid off, on the second to last drive of the game, the Bills had a fourth and goal at the 2-yard line with a 5-point lead and about 3:30 to go.
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
McDermott took the points and allowed the Ravens to tie the game with the field goal and an eight-point difference. If it hadn’t been for a Mark Andrews drop on the two-point conversion at the end, many in the media would be criticizing McDermott for playing it safe.
These conservative plays and moments made some wonder why Buffalo’s game was such a safe one. The weather sure had a part to play in that, with snow and cold weather games being more favorable for the team that can run the ball. Buffalo’s established running game made it easy to keep control of the clock but gave Baltimore chances to tie or win without aggressive playcalling.
Buffalo only went for it on fourth down once in the game, and the Bills converted on it. It will take more of those types of aggressive calls to help them upset the number-one seed Chiefs next week if Buffalo wants to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time in three decades.
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