Shockingly close
The Buffalo Bills’ 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 16: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers
The Buffalo Bills had taken down two contenders to spark renewed hope for the playoffs. Up next was the lowly Los Angeles Chargers. The expectation was of light work before taking on two division rivals to close out the regular season. A slow start on offense and multiple turnovers led to a closer affair than expected. Now for a question that’s totally unrelated to the incoming GIFs. Do you all remember when blooper reels were all the rage?
Deonte Harty’s fumble (Q1; 0:21)
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The Bills had stopped the Chargers cold on this drive. Twice. An interception by cornerback Christian Benford earlier on the drive was called back due to penalties (more on flags in a moment). After being gifted the ball back, Buffalo pushed Los Angeles backwards to force a punt. Deonte Harty couldn’t hang on and the Chargers gained 60 yards. Their newfound momentum led to a touchdown. One of three turnovers on the day, the Bills struggled mightily as a result of poor ball security.
Gabe Davis’ touchdown (Q2; 9:12)
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Sometimes I like to present an option as a contrast to the overall tone of a game, so here you go. This is much closer to the result many expected.
False start (Q4; 9:28)
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I had a tough time picking a specific flag to represent the penalty problem in this game, and landed on this one due to the absurdity. Buffalo had seven flags total, which isn’t remotely outrageous. However, flags brought out the absurd in this game. As noted above, a Benford interception earlier was negated by a flag. Multiple flags on this drive culminated in this false start by defensive back Siran Neal.
Already in punt formation, things only got worse here. At 4th & 32, Sam Martin’s respectable 58-yard punt still had the Chargers near field goal range.
James Cook’s fumble (Q4; 7:19)
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Running back James Cook started the drive off with a pop. Another pop jarred the ball loose and on the ensuing drive LA was able to kick a field goal to pull ahead of Buffalo.
Khalil Shakir’s touchdown reversed (Q4; 2:34)
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Last but not least, this catch and run by wide receiver Khalil Shakir was initially called a touchdown on the field. After review, it was reversed with the understanding that Shakir was down by contact at the 13. I’ve watched it frame-by-frame and I don’t agree with that decision. Further, if it’s close enough where frame-by-frame viewing becomes necessary, I lean toward “the call on the field stands.”
This took at least three points off the board and perhaps five. Prior to the reversal, Sean McDermott was signaling that the Bills would go for two.