ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Bills have won their Wild Card game, securing their first playoff win since 1995. But that celebration is over, the 24-hour rule has passed, and they're focusing on the next round.
"Every team's good and we have a lot of respect for the [Baltimore] Ravens," coach Sean McDermott said. "I think the key is having a good week of preparation and putting the time in to play our best football."
Saturday's win over the Indianapolis Colts wasn't perfect by any means but the team found a way to win and that's what good teams do.
The Bills offense had a great game against the Colts, especially from QB Josh Allen who finished with 324 passing yards and two touchdowns, and 54 yards and another touchdown on the ground. It was Allen's first postseason win since being drafted in 2018.
"He's had a lot of different experiences since he's been here in his three years," Daboll said. "He played a good game for us and helped contribute in a positive way. I'm glad he's our QB. He's ready to move on to this week and knows the challenge ahead of us."
The Bills offense has been relying on their pass game throughout the season and Saturday was no different. It could play an even bigger role next weekend, after it was announced running back Zack Moss will miss the rest of the postseason after suffering an ankle injury against the Colts. The Bills have four other guys on their running back depth chart behind starter Devin Singletary. Daboll has confidence in all of them, despite their minimal presence during the regular season.
"You keep the players on your team you think can help you. Maybe they're not active one week or are on the practice squad," Daboll said. "Everybody in this organization is here for a reason to help us win and when your number's called, we expect you to be ready to go. That's what we'll expect this week whoever that may be."
Meanwhile the defense is gearing up to go up against the best rushing offense in the league. The Ravens rushed for a team average of 191.9 yards a game and 5.5 yards a carry. Three players surpassed 700 yards on the ground, led by QB Lamar Jackson who had over 1,000 rushing yards during the regular season.
"He can create so many problems for you on defense," Frazier said. "We realize we can't look at what we did last year because they've grown. We're gonna have to slow them down."
For a Bills defense that's sometimes struggled against the run, ending the regular season in the middle of the pack with an average of 119 yards allowed per game, filling those gaps is important.
"In order for you to have any success, everybody has to be assignment sound, being where they're supposed to be within that call," Frazier said. "Our guys have been pretty good about that throughout the season and we're gonna need to have that done on Saturday as well."
And while both Daboll and Frazier get ready for another big game, they're gaining attention around the league. Both have had interviews with other teams for head coaching vacancies but say their focus is on the Bills and the next game on the schedule.
The Bills take on the Ravens Saturday evening. Kickoff is set for 8:15 pm.
