When the LA Rams defeated the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 by the score of 44-42, many fans and even some NFL analysts applauded the team's offensive output. But when the focus turned to the defense, the assessment was not nearly as kind. The Rams took and held the lead in that game throughout the entire contest, but it was a victory that came by the thinnest of margins. In a game with 86 points, the Rams bested the Bills by two points.
And yet, that was enough to win. After all, a win is a win, right?
Well, the Bills were up to their high-scoring offensive tricks in Week 15 as well. But this time, they were not facing the LA Rams and the shrewd game plan designed by HC Sean McVay. In this game, they traveled to face the Detroit Lions. And they never trailed in that game. In fact, the Bills jumped out to a two touchdown lead and never looked back.
The Bills defeated the Lions by the final score of 48-42. Not only did the Bills rebound nicely, but they managed to score 90 points in the past two games. The irony is that despite the offensive eruption, they are 1-1 over that time frame.
If the Detroit Lions defense surrendered 48 points to the Bills offense in Week 15 at home, should we revisit the way we had all judged the Rams in the aftermath of Week 14?
Yes, the Rams surrendered 42 points. Yet, the team did hold the line and forced the Bills to punt twice. And even in allowing the final touchdown, the Rams defense forced the Bills to burn a timeout with a goal line stand, and that allowed the offense to run out the clock when they took over.
It wasn't a thing of beauty. But the goal in any game is to win, not impress fans with the manner of accomplishing that victory. The Rams defeated the red hot Buffalo Bills, the only team to do so since Sunday, October 6, 2024. Now, after the Bills stampeded the Lions, the value of that unlikely feat is taking on an entirely different light altogether.
As always, thanks for reading.