Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The playoff run for the Buffalo Bills will continue another week following a 31-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round at Highmark Stadium.
However, the Bills did not leave Monday afternoon's matchup in Orchard Park unscathed, as a number of players left the contest early due to injury, especially on defense. This includes the likes of linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), as well as cornerbacks Taron Johnson (concussion) and Christian Benford (knee).
Not to mention, the Bills were already without linebacker Tyrel Dodson (shoulder), cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and Taylor Rapp (calf) entering Monday's game.
Despite the additional injuries on the defensive side of the ball, Bills quarterback Josh Allen couldn't help but take notice for the admirable performance that unit had in Buffalo's win over a gritty Steelers squad.
"I wanna give a shoutout to A.J. Klein, Dorian [Williams] and Kaiir [Elam] for stepping up in a game like this," said Allen following Monday's victory at Highmark Stadium. "A.J. was on his couch, and so for him to come back and be forced to play, and play such a big part, he was all over the field today. Kaiir stepped up, making a huge interception, [then] we go down and get a touchdown. Those plays, you can’t script them any better."
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The sixth-year quarterback was on his game on Monday, going 21-of-30 for 203 yards in the air and three touchdowns. He also contributed 74 yards on the ground on eight carries, including a career-long 52-yard run that gave the Bills a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.
The touchdown that was the dagger for the Steelers' ambitions on Monday came courtesy of second-year wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who totaled three catches for 31 yards and his fourth quarter score.
Just like with the defense, Allen didn't shy away from crediting Shakir’s hard work to help put the final nail in the coffin of a Buffalo victory.
"It’s not a secret anymore, teams are game planning for him," Allen said. "The kid just works hard. He doesn’t ever complain about anything, he’s always where he’s supposed to be. You watch him when he’s not getting the ball, he’s following the ball, he’s getting downfield and trying to make a block. He plays football the right way."
Hear more of Allen's postgame comments with the media available in the player below:
