The Bills completed the comeback on Sunday night in Miami, winning their last five games to catch the Dolphins and win the AFC East for the fourth straight season. They got huge performances from the usual suspects, Josh Allen totaled over 400 yards and two touchdowns and Stefon Diggs had his best game in weeks. But the Bills got some huge, season saving, plays from a few guys who had been quiet all season, but stepped up in the clutch to help the Bills clinch the division.
The most noteworthy play of the night came from Deonte Harty. Harty a free agent pick up in the off season from the Saints, had not done much to this point in the season, having just one touchdown and a few decent moments in the return game. That is until early in the fourth quarter on Sunday, with the Bills down seven, and hope dwindling, he broke free for a Buffalo Bills record 96-yard punt return touchdown that completely flipped the momentum of the game.
Another touchdown scorer on Sunday night, and former Dolphin, Trent Sherfield also made a big impact stepping in for the injured Gabe Davis. Coming into the game with just eight catches on the season he stepped up nicely in his extra snaps and made one of the more impressive concentration catches that you will ever see off of a tipped pass.
On the defensive side of the Ball the Bills had three reserve players come on and make huge impacts. Early on in the game both Tyrel Dodson and Rasul Douglas went down with injuries. Forcing the Bills to insert Baylon Spector and Dane Jackson into the game, neither of whom have played much at all recently, and for Spector this season. Both not only held their own, but made difference making plays against the very high-flying Dolphins offense. Yes, this Bills team has superstars, but the depth they have is what could make the biggest difference in the upcoming playoff run.
The third player that came up huge for the Bills on Sunday was safety Taylor Rapp. Rapp who has dealt with some injuries this season and spotty playing time jumped an out route and picked off Tua to seal the game and the division.
As the old adage goes “depth is great, until you have to use it”. But the Bills showed that they not only have depth, but productive depth this season. And it is this kind of deep roster that can really make this team dangerous come playoff time.