The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season has been written. So let’s add some “illustrations!” If you’re new to Plays That Defined, this isn’t a highlight recap, but rather a cathartic retelling of the past season, chapter by chapter.
Don’t vote for your favorite play necessarily, vote for the one that best represents that game’s narrative. I’ll recap the game to refresh your memory, but don’t feel locked in by my narrative.
Chapter 3: Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills
After soundly beating a team from Florida, Week 3 saw the Buffalo Bills soundly beating a team from Florida. This time it was a home game with the Jacksonville Jaguars traveling to Orchard Park, NY.
Let’s also not forget that the last meeting between the two teams saw the Bills travel to London and succumb to jet lag. It’s safe to say that Buffalo really wanted to prove they were the better team this time around, demolishing the Jaguars.
Keon Coleman’s first NFL touchdown (Q2; 6:25)
The Bills scored six touchdowns in this game in an absolute beatdown of the Jaguars. I could do nothing but touchdown GIFs and be at the upper limit of my usual range for this series (4-6 plays is my rule of thumb). That would be unfair to the defensive performance though, which means I need to be selective with TDs.
When in doubt, go with a milestone and Keon Coleman’s first NFL touchdown was a thing of beauty. You might prefer a different touchdown and that’s okay. At least now you know the rationale on why I went with this one.
Damar Hamlin’s interception (Q2; 4:28)
If you look at the clock, it’s easy to say “Well, there’s plenty of game left” for the Jaguars. That’s true. The 20-3 score in favor of Buffalo wasn’t insurmountable at that point, but Jacksonville needed some clean play to catch up. That obviously didn’t happen since you’ve already watched the GIF.
Damar Hamlin was in the right place to capitalize on the overthrow. Buffalo scored again. Then stopped Jacksonville again. Then scored again to end the half 34-3.
Javon Solomon’s strip sack/Casey Toohill’s recovery (Q4; 6:31)
In the first half, I selected plays that demonstrate the dominance Buffalo had in gaining a lead to make the game out of hand. In the second half the dominance continued but, rather than make the game out of hand, it was more of an “insult to injury” sorta situation.
Fully coasting and still up 40-10, the well-timed punch by Javon Solomon and fumble recovery by Casey Toohill is 100% unnecessary, which is why it was 100% awesome. Did I mention that’s Mac Jones back there as Trevor Lawrence was already yanked from the game?
Ray Davis’ superfluous touchdown (Q4; 4:08)
Did someone say “unnecessary?” While I adore milestone touchdowns, it’s hard not to put “superfluous touchdowns” right up there with them. What’s the functional difference between a 40-10 victoy and a 47-10 one? Not a dang thing, but we all know that there’s way more to football than functional. Ray Davis punching this in is both simultaneously meaningless and iconic.
Poll
Which play best defines the declawing of the Jacksonville Jaguars?
0%
Keon Coleman touchdown
(0 votes)
0%
Damar Hamlin interception
(0 votes)
0%
Solomon FF/Toohill recovery
(0 votes)
0%
Ray Davis touchdown
(0 votes)
0 votes total Vote Now