The Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants faced off in a Week 6 matchup on Sunday night, with the Bills coming out on top with a 24-21 victory. The game was a nail-biter, with the Giants having a chance to tie or win the game on the final play, but the Bills’ defense held on and broke up a pass in the end zone.
Bills overcome injuries and turnovers
The Bills entered the game with several key players on injured reserve, including linebacker Matt Milano, defensive tackle DeQuan Jones, and cornerback Tre’Davious White. They also lost tight end Dawson Knox to a wrist injury in the first quarter, leaving them with only two healthy tight ends. Despite these setbacks, the Bills managed to overcome four turnovers and score 17 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Quarterback Josh Allen had a mixed performance, throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns, but also two interceptions and a fumble. He became the first Bills quarterback to reach 150 career touchdown passes, and also connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs for 10 catches and 132 yards. Diggs recorded his fourth consecutive 100-yard receiving game, tying a franchise record.
Giants rally behind Taylor and Barkley
The Giants were also dealing with injuries, as they were without starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who suffered a neck injury in Week 5. Backup Tyrod Taylor started in his place, and threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns, but also two interceptions. He led the Giants on a 75-yard drive in the final two minutes, but could not complete the comeback.
Running back Saquon Barkley returned to action after missing three games with an ankle sprain. He rushed for 89 yards on 18 carries, and also caught four passes for 32 yards. He scored a touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Giants a 14-10 lead. Wide receiver Darius Slayton also had a big game, catching seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Bills’ defense makes the difference
The Bills’ defense was the difference-maker in the game, as they forced three turnovers and made several crucial stops. Defensive end A.J. Epenesa sacked Taylor twice, including once in the red zone that forced the Giants to settle for a field goal. Linebacker Leonard Floyd also had a sack and a forced fumble that led to a Bills touchdown.
The biggest play of the game came on the final snap, when Taylor threw a pass to Slayton in the back of the end zone. However, cornerback Taron Johnson broke up the pass with a hit-stick tackle, sealing the win for the Bills. Safety Christian Benford also had an important pass breakup on fourth down earlier in the drive.
What’s next for both teams
The Bills improved to 4-2 with the win, and moved into a tie with the Miami Dolphins for first place in the AFC East. They will face another NFC East opponent next week, when they host the Washington Football Team on Monday night.
The Giants fell to 1-5 with the loss, and remained in last place in the NFC East. They will have a bye week next week, before returning to action against the Carolina Panthers at home on Oct. 29.
