How Gabe Davis came through in Buffalo Bill’s Big Win over Los Angeles Chargers 24-22 to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Where did that come from? Gabe Davis finally came out of hibernation to not only put on his best game performance recently, but “Big Game Gabe” was a critical part in the Buffalo Bills hard fought 24-22 victory over a rejuvenated LA Chargers team.

Davis had four catches of 130 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Josh Allen back in the second quarter.  It was Davis’ 7th touchdown of the year tying a career high.

He was a man with a plan carrying out six crossing plays where the powerful receiver had three targets for two completions and 77 yards, in which he completed two catches on vertical routes for 53 yards.

Overcoming Simplicity and Difficulties

When the Bills-Chargers game came on the schedule, nobody could have predicted how this game would turn out. At the beginning of the season, it looked as if the Buffalo Bills would run away with this game.

After the Jets’ loss in week one, the Bills bounced back to start the year (3-1). Then, it looked as if it would be a tighter game, as the Bills started hitting that drywall, with self-inflicted wounds and a last-second loss to the Denver Broncos.

While defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and then drubbing the Dallas Cowboys 31-10 at home the following week, it reappeared to be a blowout again.

Unfortunately, it was not a blowout at all, as the Chargers may have entered at only (5-9), but after getting embarrassed on Thursday Night Football at the Las Vegas Raiders, they were rejuvenated to play this game.

The Chargers cleaned out and promoted Giff Smith (a former Buffalo Bills assistant) to interim head coach. They showed in this game that they would not throw in the towel.

They decided to play even harder with backup quarterback, Easton Stick as the starter replacing Justin Herbert who is out for the year with a finger injury.

Despite all these tough challenges and successful triumphs, the Buffalo Bills overcame what would have been another dagger to their playoff chances, to a cardiac kid victory.

Who else Played a Role in the “W”?

The defense played its part in this game as multiple contributors made big-time plays in the pass rush. Ed Oliver, Terrel Bernard, and Rasul Douglas all had two sacks.

Safety, Taylor Rapp led the squad with nine total tackles on the game and has filled in well as the starter for Micah Hyde who’s out for the year.

Even the offense welcomed a new addition, as running back, Leonard Fournette was promoted to the active roster off the practice squad.

The former LSU Tiger earned three tough yards up the middle in his first carry but finished with only 15 yards on five touches.

Credit also goes to Tyler Bass for the huge game-winning field goal with 28 seconds left in regulation. He is now 9 for 9 in his career on go-ahead field goals with two minutes or less left in game-time regulation.

What will it take for the Buffalo Bills to make the Playoffs?

Right now, the Buffalo Bills are (9-6), and have won three in a row since their heartbreaking overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles back on Nov. 26.

They currently have a 92% chance of making the playoffs heading into week 17’s regular season home finale against the New England Patriots.

It can turn into 100% if the Buffalo Bills first beat the Pats at home, and one of the two outcomes play out for them following this week’s competitions:

1st outcome:

*Kansas City beats Cincinnati

*Seattle beats Pittsburgh

*Carolina beats Jacksonville

2nd outcome:

*Indianapolis loses to Raiders

*Texans lose to Titans

*Either a Steelers or Bengals loss, and (3) games need to go in favor of the Bills

So Bills fans, let’s hope that we can have at least one of these outcomes play out for us, as I know that I will be watching.

Let’s Go Buffalo!

For another NFL story, please check out:

Buffalo Bills Earn Needed Win over Kansas City Chiefs, 20-17