Plays that defined 2023: Bills vs. Buccaneers, Week 8

The Buffalo Bills’ 2023 season is in the books but there’s one little thing missing. Illustrations. Let’s pretend that Last Year was a real book, with each game a chapter. It’s up to us to find a play or “illustration” that best shows us the theme of this chapter.

It makes sense ? I hope so because we’re about to take a look at some pieces and vote. Remember that it’s not necessarily the best piece you want, it’s the one that best illustrates…

Chapter 8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills

After playing an inferior New England Patriots team and losing, the Bills hosted the 3-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who were looking to get back into the win column. The Bucs managed to keep the game within reach, but ultimately proved unable to take advantage. Looking at the stat sheet, Buffalo didn’t have any heroic performances. As the Bills tried to stabilize their season, they found plenty of steady hands to pull out a win.

Jordan Poyer pass defended (Q1; 12:50)

Although most sites don’t look at passes defended often, it’s a stat I look at often. In this game, Buffalo racked up eight total (league average would be 4.4 per game). This was key to keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield under a 60% completion rate and disrupting the flow of the game. This one by safety Jordan Poyer ended a potentially promising start.

Dalton Kincaid touchdown (Q2; 2:46)

You’re watching Dalton Kincaid’s first NFL touchdown and the score that broke a temporary 10-point tie. It was one of three Buffalo touchdowns. Two came through the air, this one being the longer of the two.

Dismissal of Ed Oliver (Q2; 0:47)

The Bills defense had 10 quarterback hits, which made Mayfield uncomfortable. Three of those 10 were sacks. Oliver, pictured above, pulled the Buccaneers back before halftime and helped keep Tampa Bay out of scoring range.

Running out of sticks (Q4; 11:00 a.m.)

Despite a steady day, the second half was mostly a lull for the Bills offense. Their only score came early in the third quarter, followed by numerous stalled drives. The offense took just enough time to help the defense prevent a comeback. This play embodies that with Kincaid successfully catching Buffalo beyond midfield but not within scoring range.