The Baltimore Ravens handed the Buffalo Bills their first loss of the 2024 season in a crushing 35-10 defeat on September 29th at M&T Bank Stadium. This highly anticipated AFC showdown quickly turned into a one-sided affair, as Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry put on an impressive display both on the ground and in the air. The Ravens dominated from the start, leaving the Bills scrambling to find answers.
Buffalo, who came into the game with a strong 3-0 record, looked to continue their winning streak but struggled against Baltimore’s relentless offense. Josh Allen, the Bills’ star quarterback, couldn’t find his rhythm throughout the game. He was constantly pressured by the Ravens’ defense, resulting in a few critical sacks and a fumble that disrupted Buffalo’s attempts to build any momentum. Allen managed a few highlight throws, but it was not enough to stop the Ravens’ surge.
Derrick Henry was a standout for the Ravens, rushing for significant yardage and keeping the Bills’ defense on its heels. He burst through Buffalo’s defensive line for several big gains, one of which was a crucial 35-yard run that set up another Baltimore touchdown. Henry’s physical style and ability to find holes in the defense made him nearly unstoppable, and his performance was a key factor in the Ravens’ victory.
The game also saw Lamar Jackson showcasing his versatility. He threw for crucial yards and added his own rushing touchdown, deceiving the Bills’ defense with a well-executed misdirection play. Jackson’s speed and ability to read defenses put Buffalo’s defense under immense pressure, forcing them to play catch-up all night. By the third quarter, Baltimore had already built a comfortable lead, making it difficult for Buffalo to stage a comeback.
The Bills did have a few bright spots. Their lone touchdown came from running back Ty Johnson, who pushed through from three yards out in the third quarter. But that brief moment of hope quickly faded as Baltimore responded with another scoring drive, making it clear that the Ravens were in full control. Even Buffalo’s normally reliable kicker, Tyler Bass, had a rough night, missing a crucial field goal attempt that could have given the Bills some much-needed points.
Buffalo’s defense showed signs of life early in the second half, with a few key stops, but they were ultimately outmatched by Baltimore’s powerful offense. Despite their best efforts, the Bills’ defense was unable to contain Henry or keep Jackson in check. The combination of Jackson’s agility and Henry’s power proved to be too much, as the Ravens controlled the clock and kept Buffalo’s offense off the field.
The Ravens’ win not only ended Buffalo’s perfect start but also sent a message to the rest of the league. After a shaky beginning to the season, Baltimore looked like a team on a mission. This victory will surely boost their confidence as they head into the next few weeks of tough matchups. Meanwhile, the Bills will have to regroup and address the issues exposed in this game if they hope to stay competitive in a crowded AFC.
Overall, this clash between the Bills and Ravens was expected to be a close contest, but Baltimore’s dominance made it a one-sided affair. The Ravens reminded everyone why they are still one of the most dangerous teams in the league when everything clicks. For Buffalo, this game will serve as a wake-up call to tighten up their game on both sides of the ball. As both teams move forward, it will be interesting to see how they adjust and build on the lessons from this encounter.