Let the season review begin
The 2023 season is in the books, but there’s one little thing missing. Illustrations. Let’s pretend last year is an actual book, with each game a chapter. It’s up to us to find one play or “illustration” that best shows us the theme of that chapter.
Make sense? I hope so because we’re about to take a look at some plays and vote. Remember, it’s not necessarily the best play we want, it’s the one that best illustrates...
Chapter 1: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
The AFC was supposed to be wide open with the improving Miami Dolphins and New York Jets threatening the Buffalo Bills. The New England Patriots also continued to exist. First up was a tall task in New Jersey with Buffalo squaring off against an elite defense newly paired with a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback. Said QB was injured early, which should have opened the door wide for a Buffalo victory. Instead, squandered opportunities led to a frustrating overtime defeat for the hero Bills.
Aaron Rodgers throws a pass (Q1; 11:53)
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From our limited sample size, it was clear the Jets wanted to come out passing. This was their first play from scrimmage. Buffalo was ready for Rodgers with pressure coming quick. While the next two snaps were also pass calls, the second throw from Rodgers was also incomplete and doesn’t technically count as a play due to a penalty on Buffalo. His third snap was a sack, which led to his season ending.
You are therefore looking at the total production of Aaron Rodgers’ entire season. If anyone had told you Rodgers would only throw one pass during the game you’d likely expect a rout by the Bills. Is this contrast with the outcome a good illustration for the chapter?
Josh Allen interception #1 (Q2; 13:12)
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It’s hard to have a disappointing game without some blunders, and here is the first of many big ones. Admittedly, the decision to throw deep on 3rd & 8 isn’t a terrible one. Nor is the result as it was essentially a pretty great punt. That said, it’s possible Allen could have had the yards with his legs. It’s also true that he tossed two more interceptions, which means this was a pattern in Week 1 — rather than a single error.
Josh Allen fumbles (Q4; 4:55)
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Despite three interceptions and other miscues already, the game was tied with under five minutes to go. Buffalo received the ball after a Jets’ score and Josh Allen promptly fumbled the ball. Twice. Officially this play credited Allen with an aborted snap and a fumble. I think that’s fair. The fourth turnover of the game led to the Jets taking the lead late in the closing minutes.
Tyler Bass last-second field goal (Q4; 0:06)
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Let’s be clear: A 50-yard field goal is not a given play. Also being clear, this is about as fitting an end to regulation as I can think of for a game like this. Blunder after blunder and somehow Buffalo managed to tie it up at the last second with a field goal to force overtime. Even the field goal seemed like it kept the game alive with a heavy reluctance.
Punt returned for TD (OT; 9:21)
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The Bills received the ball to start overtime. After a penalty and then a three-and-out, Buffalo punted. This happened. What. The. Actual. ****