Streaking Bills fall just short vs. Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Bills have seen Josh Allen run for first down after first down since coming into the NFL in 2018.

That’s why coach Sean McDermott put the ball in his quarterback’s hands yet again on fourth and maybe half a yard rather than kick a tying field goal with 22 seconds left. This time, Allen’s feet went out from under him as the Titans jammed the middle, stopping him short and pulling out a 34-31 victory Monday night.

“I felt good about our chances,” McDermott said. “I had a chance to win the game right there and we didn’t get it done.”

Tyler Bass already had made three field goals for the Bills. But Allen had converted an NFL-best 24 quarterback sneaks for first downs since 2018, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Against the Titans (4-2), Allen already had carried nine times for 25 yards, including a 5-yard scramble on third down that McDermott said officials initially signaled first down.

Allen certainly pointed first down with his left arm. Officials huddled.

“Then they changed it,” McDermott said. “From what I was told after the game there when I visited with (referee) Clete (Blakeman) then I think they radioed down and changed it.” Allen didn’t get an explanation.

“I think they looked at it on video and I think the call was a good call, so again it’s a game of inches,” Allen said. “We’re not going to try to blow this out of proportion.”

That set up fourth and very short. Allen lined up in the shotgun, then moved up under center for the snap. He took the ball, then his feet seemed to slip out from under him with a trio of Titans linemen filling the middle and pushing forward. Allen said he didn’t have great footing but was happy to have the ball in his hands.

“I take a lot of pride in it,” Allen said. “I love Coach McDermott giving me that opportunity. I’ve got to go out there and prove him right. Sometimes the plays don’t go your way.”

NFL power rankings

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