BLEAV in Bills: Quite a victory for Buffalo over the Bengals

Sal Maiorana and Adam Benigni break down the Bills' thrilling come-from-behind 39-34 victory over the Bengals.

View More

Video Transcript

All right.

Welcome, everybody.

Believe in Bills, live here on YouTube, Adam Binini and Sal Maarana.

As always, after games on Sundays, we invite you to join us here for the next 20 minutes Or so to answer and react to some of your comments and questions, And there should be a lot of them.

There's a lot of ground to cover after an Unbelievable 39-34 come-from-behind win, win for the Bills.

Uh, over the Cincinnati Bengals on a snow-covered field that you can see behind Sal There, who is in the coach's booth, I think, or one of them.

Uh, adjacent to the press box.

So, where does that one rank?

We've seen a lot of crazy games over the years.

But that one's right up there with the best of them, huh?

Yeah, I mean, I'll tell you what, Adam: they're, they're closing this.

This stadium out with a few, a few beauties.

The Baltimore game in Week One, and, you know, the Tampa Bay game was a crazy game.

And now this one, you know, I wrote in my, um, one of the things I did, Probably the observations.

This game sort of reminded me again, showing my age.

And you'll remember the game very well.

This one reminded me of 1990, Week Four against the Broncos.

They scored three touchdowns in 77 seconds in the fourth quarter.

Turned what looked like a sure loss to a win.

Thats the first game that came to my mind.

I watched what happened unfold.

The Bills scored 3 touchdowns in 4.5 minutes.

Here.

To turn what was looking like something ugly, Horrible loss into, you know, one of their best victories in years.

So, yeah, a huge day.

I mean, Adam, they were in trouble.

They were in big trouble.

Their playoff chances were slim.

We're flagging at best.

Their division chances were gone.

And it was looking pretty ugly.

The crowd was angry.

The crowd was quiet after Cincinnati made it 28 to 18 there.

Um, so you have to give the Bills a lot of credit for coming back and pulling this off Out.

There were 21 points.

In 4.5 minutes, 4:30 exactly, you know, seven of those come courtesy of the Uh, off the defense too on an epic pick-6 by Christian Benford.

And what can you say about Josh Allen?

I mean, his Hall of Fame MVP resume, whatever, you want, This game will have a prominent place.

Yeah, I mean, look, you know, they're down 28 to 18.

They've got to score quickly.

You know, two quick passes, and he throws an incomplete, then a 40-yard run, Which was, my God, the Bengals; I, I can't, I mean, I don't think we're a man-to-man defense There.

So, it is tougher to control the quarterback.

But Adam, there wasnt a guy near him for the entire 40-yard run to the end zone.

He just walked in, practically.

So, that was a huge play.

And then, you know, All the stuff that happened in between.

And then he puts it away with another play, you just scratch your head, Like, how do the Bengals let this happen?

It's 3rd and 15.

You know damned well he's dropping back to pass, and probably ninety percent of it will be, He's just going to run.

They don't want to throw an incomplete pass.

How do you not have somebody, maybe two guys who are spying on him to make sure they keep him Short of the first down?

They didn't get it.

And he just blows through for 17 yards, game over.

I mean, look, we knew this Bengals defense.

Even though they've played better the last few.

Weeks ago, we knew it was a bad defense, 4th quarter, We saw just how bad this defense is.

Just, I mean, I don't know how Zach Taylor can sleep tonight after watching what happened in the game today.

A sure win for them turns into a sure loss.

Yeah, no question about it.

You know, borrow, uh, comes back.

Buffalo's third-down defense was absolutely abysmal.

I mean, the Bills wind up 10 of 12 on 3rd down, and I think, Or the Bengals, you know, 10 to 12 on third down.

I think they were 7 of 8 in the first half.

Um, it's the note I wrote down to myself.

But then, the defense comes up.

With a couple of stops, then he makes those, makes big plays.

The back-to-back interceptions.

When you goI mean, how the hell, Joe Burrow?

I mean, You know how it happened at the, uh, uh, the, the Bedford Pick 6 was unfathomable to me.

And then Jordan Phillips, your buddy there, you know, gets, Gets a hand on, uh, the very next play from scrimmage from Cincinnati on the deflection.

And you have AJ Epenesa, who makes the, uh, the interception of a game.

Obviously, turn.

So, I will, uh, Bill's defense that's played.

Better, I will take some time; they, they weren't on third down, But, at key moments in this game.

Uh, as it went on, we made some big plays to make the difference.

Yeah, they did, they did.

Look, the first half was horrible.

I mean, you know, they were the Bengals.

Converted their first 7 third downs.

Scored 3 touchdowns in a row.

The Bills did stop them on their last 3rd down try in the 2nd quarter.

And then, you know, the third quarter, it wasn't much better, either.

I think there were three or four in second half There, two of them came on that T. Higgins' touchdown drive got the game closer.

So, yeah, the third-down defense was horrendous.

It's been a problem for years.

This is nothing new for the Bills.

We've seen this team last year.

Remember last year, how many 3rd and longs wanted to pull your hair out with this team?

And it's happening again.

So, that's been very frustrating, but you know, this defense, As we've said, they have to get takeaways to have success.

This defense is not good enough if they don't get takeaways.

And they got two on back-to-back plays in that 4th quarter that were humongous.

The Bedford play that's as good a play as you're going to see.

He was actually coming; he explained it afterwards, he was actually coming on blitz, And he managed to, he recognized what was happening; he stopped.

And Burrow threw the ball, then he leaped up.

I mean, Most guys aren't gonna catch that ball from him.

It was kind of a fastball, and it was close to Burrow.

Plus, the conditions didn't make it an easy ball to catch on his gloves.

And he made the catch, then raced to the end, I thought for sure Chase was going to catch him, Because Bedford is not really a fast guy, but he got all the way to the house.

That was huge!

And then, yeah, my buddy Jordan Phillips, Who I really, you know, am sick and tired of, but I'll give him his props here.

He made a big play.

He got his big, meaty paws up there, and you know, the ball fell right into Epaneas's hands.

And they get a, they get a touchdown.

And then, you know, the Bills took advantage, they scored a touchdown there.

They didn't just get a field goal; they scored a touchdown for 6.

So, yeah, I mean, the defense, you want to just scream all day at this defense.

But ultimately, they made the biggest plays of this game.

I think, as you talk about the defense, and there's obviously a lot to talk about on this Offensive side as well, and we'll get to that.

But, I mean, I think let's get into Bedford a bit more because we've seen he did not have the best Start to the year.

He was not like the elite lockdown guy, uh.

They paid him to be in the off-season.

But as the year has gone on, you know, the performance in Pittsburgh, Where he has the fumble recovery for the touchdown and an interception.

And then, today, the impact he has on this game and the job he did.

Uh, in this game, his form is rounding into shape right when it needs to the most for this Team.

Yeah, I mean, he's been great these last two.

Weeks.

Hes got the return fumble touchdown last week.

The interception, and he had a great run, uh, run, uh, Rep last week for a loss of yardage.

And then this week, he got the sack on the Blitz, the only sack they had on Burrow.

And, of course, he makes the big play on the interception.

Here's the other thing, though, Adam: he's been traveling with the other team's best receiver.

And he wasn't on Chase 100% today.

He was on him a lot.

Chase only had five catches for 44 yards.

I mean, that's the guy who had the most catches of any receiver in the league coming into it.

The game.

He was great.

I mean, Bedford did a really nice job on him, you know.

T. Higgins hurt him on the other side.

He had his way with her.

Trey White and Max Hairston, but if you can shut down Ja'Marr Chase the way Benford did.

Today, that goes a long way to beating this Bengals' offense.

They need Burrow and Chase on the same page and to be clicking.

And they really never got to that point.

There was a big play by Chase on the last Bengals' touchdown drive was big, but that was really the only impact he had in the game.

So that was a great job by Bedford.

You know, during the course of the week, we had Solomon Wilcox on the preview.

Uh, this game.

And one of the things we talked about, You know, it ends up being a shootout type of result.

But, uh, you know, there are some aspects to that where you'd put an asterisk on it.

Given the way some of the things are.

Uh, went down, and the impact that the defense had on the scoreboard.

Uh, as well.

But, offensively, I want to return to this.

Point.

We felt it was going to need a heavy dose of, of James Cook.

In the running game itself, they end up with 183 yards rushing.

Uh, in this game, obviously, with the weather turning as it did, I mean, thats a huge positive.

We know when this offense is at its best, When they're running the football, I will.

Put a caveat with it, though, because how concerned are you about the turnovers now?

You know, with Cook essentially fumbling twice in this game, He gets lucky; one isn't called a touchback, and then, as he's about to go into the end zone, Coughs that thing up, uh, uh, at the time was a major turning point, Uh, in the football game.

I think that the coaches will be Preaching ball security, as they always do, but maybe with a little bit of added emphasis, Because, you know, theyre not over the turnover bug.

I guess that is the point Im trying to make.

Yeah, I mean, he had the big fumble last week in Pittsburgh.

It set up their only touchdown drive in that game, and then it happened again here.

You know, the one down by the goal line, or on the play that got overturned, It was not a touchback, and that was clear and obvious that it was not one.

But I mean, you know, if there hadnt been the penalty there, Um, that wasI, I lost my train of thought there.

So, never mind; just skip what I said there.

They lucked out on that oneit didn't go through the end zone.

The penalty was wiped out anyway, so they got pushed back.

So it wasn't a run to the one-yard line, that's what I was trying to say there.

But then, the one on the goal line, God Almighty, you cannot, He was going in and lost the ball.

The defensive back, Uh, the same DB, by the way, was Kincaid who he had beaten for his touchdown, It was a one-on-one coverage, and Kincaid ran a great route and smoked the guy.

Well, he came back and got some revenge on that play.

And recovered that fumble.

That was when I, when that happened.

Adam, you know me, Mr. Pessimist.

That was game over.

As far as I was concerned, I figured that was game over.

And then they go right down and score, and I kind of was like, Yeah, it is game over.

I just did not see the Bills doing what they Did.

But Cook's got to get that under control.

He's had a great season.

It's hard to shit on him for these few Fumbles.

I mean, they suck, and they're big plays.

But man, the season he's hadhe's been so good.

Uh, but yeah, down the stretch, gotta be careful.

It's cold; the weather will suck from now on out.

Um, he needs to be better at that.

Dawson Knox, impact of tight ends, you know, it, was obvious.

I think you asked about this.

I thought I heard you ask, I believe it was McDermott after about this, In the postgame, you know, you can always clearly identify a salesman voice 'Cause you have this kind of an edge to it, you know, an edge that we know and love.

Uh, in any event, though, I mean, of all the shortcomings on this Bengals' defense, Their performance against tight ends has been abysmal.

Uh, clearly, the Bills were able to exploit that.

I mean, Dawson Knox jumps off the stat sheet, right?

6 catches, 93 yards.

Kincaid, 4 for 41, back in the lineup, coming off the hamstring and scoring the touchdown.

And Hawes, uh, uh, on, gets in the end zone, as well.

Um, I mean, just an area that was weak that the Bills were able to exploit well Credit.

Yeah, and I asked McDermott, I said, Look, we have all the numbers in the media, so I'm sure you have better numbers.

Um, it was clear that they, they have trouble for whatever reason.

It's crazy.

I don't know why, but they just can't stop.

Tight ends, and Sean basically admitted, yes, we knew, And they wanted to exploit that.

So, Dawson Knox, Thats his third-best game of his career, Adam, yardage-wise.

93 yards.

Um, that was a bit surprising.

I figured Kincaid would return to lineup.

And be that guy.

But Knox was the one making the big Plays.

First play of the game, they're down 7-0.

30, 32 yards to Knox.

Then he had that 31-yard kick late in the fourth quarter, I think, on that last play, Maybe on that last possession, or the second to last possession, Whatever it was, that was a huge play that got the Bills right down there in scoring position.

So he was big in this game.

Kincaid, you know.

Good return, um, I think he had a 20-yard play, so that was nice to see.

And then the Haws played, that was huge.

That was a fourth down.

You know, people drive me nuts when they say that, oh, Sean McDermott, you know, conservative defensive coach.

That's such a line of bullsh*t. He is not conservative at all.

People aren't paying attention if they say he's conservative.

They went for it four times today on 4th down, and got three of them.

And the biggest one in the game was that one.

They're.

What was it?

It was 3220.

2 8, right?

So they kick a field goal there.

Joe Burrow will probably go down there, which he did.

By the way, a score and touchdown would have tied the game.

So, I was all for McDermott going for it.

Even if they don't get it, OK, it's a four-point game.

They still need a touchdown.

But now they have 96 yards to go.

So I was okay with it, and it turns out that Jackson Hawes was the guy who got open, Which I love, 'cause I love that kid.

I think he's been.

Such a good player for them!

It's nice to see him catch a pass.

And it turns out it's the game-winning touchdown.

So, love that play, love the decision to go for it.

And you talk about Allen being great.

There he went again, making that play.

That play was going nowhere fast.

I mean, he held it; he scrambled around, he held it longer.

And finally, Hawes came open and zipped it right in there.

Uh, ballgame, really, that was athat was a great play.

Yeah, I mean, Allen really didnt have many options, and, And Hawes on the replay of the end zone replay of it.

Comes off his block and just kind of slips, found the opening.

Uh, a really good instinctive play.

I mean, You know, he's a good blocker.

This kid brings a lot to the table, yet he seems to, As we see him evolve and develop as an NFL tight end, Uh, have some instinct as to how to find that opening and maybe ad-lib to get to a place Where Allen can get him the football, and I think that play was a good example of it.

Don't you?

I think he's got at least two touchdowns, And he might have three, I don't know off the top of my head.

So hes been a guy whos been able to get open down there, And I, you know, I think I've said this, you know, in, In a couple of places.

I think he's a great run blocker.

He's clearly one of the best run-blocking TEs.

Ends in the league.

But I think the Bills could probably learn Trust him a little more in the passing game, Cause when you bring him on the field, It clearly is a tendency that the Bills are gonna run there.

So, you start incorporating him in the pass game; that's going to give the defense something To think about.

Usually, he comes off; Kincaid or Knox is on.

The field, and the Bills are gonna throw in that situation.

Trust Jackson Hawes; you know to be in a run formation.

Maybe use play action and get him the ball.

He's shown he can catch it.

I think that's a wrinkle in the Bills' offense that they could still go to.

And hey, maybe they're saving it for down the stretch, um, You know, a new thing to throw at defenses, but the kid can.

I think the kid can get the job done, so start using him.

So whats your take on this team now as they get ready to head over to Foxborough and face The New England Patriots are still alive in the division race.

It's a tall mountain to climb, obviously, at this point.

But a much better position as far as playoffs are concerned.

Uh, what's up to 5th now?

Um, but I guess I would ask you: What have they shown you in the last couple of weeks?

You know, I, I, there are a couple of aspects that come to mind.

I thought that the edge they played with in the Pittsburgh game was quite sharp.

They won the game with the tackles out, and running the football as they did historically.

Uh, Levels in Pittsburgh, obviously for an opponent.

And then the resilience they showed in the game today, that quick-strike capability and, And the opportunistic side of things, I mean, They're not playing; look, they're not playing at their best at this point.

That could have easily been a loss in the football game today.

But they're reacting, and I thought they adjusted better in-game today than they Have in, in some others this year, uh, as well.

Just your thoughts, generally, on this team before we wrap it up.

Yeah, I mean, I would agree.

They did make some adjustments here.

Game, you know, they found a way to get it done on defense after a brutal first half.

And then, even on offense, I mean, you know, the first possession of the game, They failed.

Ellen got the sack, and right then, You kind of felt that, man, that field goal, that's going to hurt them.

'Cause this is a game; they're gonna have to score touchdowns and everything.

Possession, and they, they, they never punted, never punted in the entire game.

So, they scored just about every time they had the ball.

Um, so I like that.

I asked Alan about that, about the, The stick-to-itiveness of this game, right?

There were many moments where this thing could have just slipped away, and the Bills showed like you said.

Some resiliency to stick with it.

That's definitely a trait.

That this team has had for years on end now.

Again, it's a McDermott culture thing that people laugh and pooh-pooh, But it's a real thing.

I mean, many teams won't win this.

Game today, Adam.

There are lots of teams that would have folded Their tent, especially when it was 2818 with a half a quarter to go.

Bills didnt do it, but they found a way to explode and win the game.

So, I like that about this team.

Look, they're going to New England next week.

And, of course, They could beat the Patriots there.

We've talked all year about how ridiculous How easy the Patriots' schedule is.

Well, now they've got a big test ahead of them, but I, I still think the mountain is too tall, Adam.

The only other reasonably tough game is the Patriots have.

Well, I guess we could say that too.

I, I'm talking about the Baltimore game, but I think They just suck.

I don't think the Ravens are any better.

Good, so maybe that game will not be tough one.

Those freaking Dolphins, Adam, are still hanging around, And they still have to play the Patriots, too.

So maybe that's a tricky one for them, and maybe that opens the door for the Bills.

Miami can win that, but I just don't know; you're 2 games down with 4 to play.

I don't think they're going to win the division, but like you said, They did jump up today, in the wild card, you know.

Depending on what happens with the Chargers tomorrow night.

Right now, the Bills are in fifth seed, and the good news is, Adam, that Pittsburgh beat the Ravens today.

I would be all for a 45 matchup down in Pittsburgh because I think the Steelers stink.

I mean, whatever happened today in Baltimore, I didn't see it.

I have no idea.

Obviously, they played better.

But I think that team would be the weakest playoff team.

Of the seven that make up the AFC, if they win that division.

So, yeah, right now, I think the division's out of play.

But if they could get that four or five-game streak against Pittsburgh.

I like their chances to move on and go to the Divisional Round at the very least.

Well, I know this: defensively, they're going to have to play one hell of a lot better.

I mean, look, that first half and this, the Bengals.

Say what you want about their defense, but that is truly an elite offense without the, The pieces they have now and burrow back.

There's no question about it.

Hey, lookone of the best things about this game, Adam, This probably puts the Bengals away.

I mean, They're still in their division.

They're still in it; they're 3 games back with 4 to play now.

So, because they kind of needed.

You out, so you want the Bengals?

Yeah, sorry, we're having a little bit of a bumpy ride on the internet front.

I will say this, too, from the matchup.

I, I will say this, though.

Well, I mean, your signal in that press box isn't always Um, I've struggled with that for years, as well.

Last point I was going to make, I mean, the Patriots defense is a hell of a lot better Than the one the Bills beat today, right?

I mean, so that's going to be another factor when they go into Foxborough.

It'll be really good.

Um, I absolutely think they can win that game.

The Bills can beat anybody, given that they have number 17 at quarterback.

But that would be, uh, as much as anything, whether you, Whether you believe they're still in the division race or not, It'll be a hell of an indicator as to the kind of where they're at.

As they prepare for the postseason.

Yeah, you're right.

That's a good measuring stick game.

Next week, win or lose.

Um, you know, it would be fun if they won, because, you know, One game back with three to go; now your tiebreaker is even head-to-head.

I'm not going to go through all the permutations of the conference record and all that stuff, But I would think that the Bills would be in a decent position.

Um, you know, they're going to have a tough game against the Eagles.

And then they've got to play the Jets the last game.

That Browns game?

Who knows?

I mean, the Browns just... Who knows what the Browns are?

Their defense is pretty good.

That could be a tricky game, but I would love to see the Bills win next week.

Would make the last three weeks really, really interesting.

That would be fun, that would be fun.

All right, this one's in the books: 39 to 34.

Uh, Bill's rally came from behind, dramatic fashion to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Orchard Park, For Sel Maoran of the Rochester Democrat Chronicle, I'm Adam Benini, WGRZ Sports Talk Live, Buffalo.

Thanks for being with us here this postgame edition of Believe in Bills.

Close