In Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills experienced a major setback as they lost 35-10 to the Baltimore Ravens. This loss didn’t just add another mark in the “L” column for the Bills—it also marked the end of an impressive streak. Since November 2021, the Bills had not lost a regular-season game by more than one possession, maintaining their competitiveness over 43 straight games. This streak, one of the longest of its kind in NFL history, came to a halt on Sunday night in what turned out to be a rough outing for Buffalo.
A Streak That Defined Consistency
The last time the Buffalo Bills lost by more than one possession in the regular season was nearly three years ago, in a 41-15 home defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. During that game, Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor put up five touchdowns, leaving the Bills stunned. Following that loss in November 2021, Buffalo became known for consistently staying in close games, no matter the opponent. Their ability to keep every game competitive made them one of the most feared teams in the league. The 43-game streak without a multi-possession loss was the fourth-longest in NFL history, underscoring the team’s resilience and fight, even in defeat.
The Baltimore Loss
On Sunday night, however, things didn’t go as planned for the Bills. The Ravens took control early in the game and never let up. Buffalo’s defense, which was already battling injuries, struggled to keep pace with Baltimore’s high-powered offense. By halftime, the Ravens had gained nearly 300 yards of offense, exploiting the gaps in Buffalo’s secondary. Though Josh Allen and the offense tried to rally in the second half, they were unable to overcome the Ravens’ dominant play.
One of the key turning points of the game came when the Bills attempted a trick play, only for it to end in disaster. The play resulted in a turnover, and the Ravens quickly turned that mistake into points, widening their lead even further. It was the kind of game where nothing seemed to go right for the Bills, and Baltimore took full advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
While the 35-10 loss may have been a jarring end to Buffalo’s streak, it’s important to remember that it could be an outlier. The Bills are known for bouncing back from tough losses, and this game may not necessarily signal deeper issues with the team. However, it does highlight some vulnerabilities, particularly on defense, that could be a concern moving forward.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Buffalo?
The Bills’ loss to the Ravens raises questions about what lies ahead for the team. Can they regain their form and return to the level of play that had them competing in close games week after week? Or will this loss be the start of a troubling trend?
Buffalo has the talent to turn things around, with Josh Allen still playing at a high level and a roster filled with playmakers on both sides of the ball. However, the injuries in the defensive unit, particularly in the secondary, will need to be addressed if the Bills hope to prevent further blowout losses. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining whether this game was just an off night or something more serious.
