“Man, he didn’t let us down,” Buffalo Bills LT Dion Dawkins said, blinking backs tears. The two-time All-Pro was emotional in the locker room defending his quarterback after the Bills fell in overtime on the road in Denver, 33-30, to end their season in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs.
Bills QB Josh Allen, the league’s reigning MVP, left it all on the field in the season-ending loss. Buffalo’s champion threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another 66, but had four turnovers (two interceptions, three fumbles, two lost). His heroics throughout the season kept an undermanned Bills squad in the hunt, but his mistakes in Denver ultimately cost Buffalo the game, and subsequently, their season.
“We love you,” Dawkins responded, when asked what his message was to Allen after the loss. “I hate to keep it short, but, we love you, you know? We’re thankful for him.”
Turnovers Doomed the Buffalo Bills in the Playoffs
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Dion Dawkins #73 of the Buffalo Bills looks on against the Chicago Bears during the second half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bears won 33-6. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
The Bills traveled to Denver to take on the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Broncos, with a chance to advance to the AFC Championship Game. Buffalo outgained the Broncos by 100 yards, had six more first downs, converted on 66 percent of their third down opportunities, and held the ball for over 10 minutes longer than their opposition.
But five turnovers doomed the Bills on Saturday evening. Five turnovers, including four from Allen, cost Buffalo the game. It comes on the heels of a season in which the Bills ranked fourth in total offense and sixth in total defense, with the top-ranked pass defense in the league but the fifth-worst run defense. Teams were able to consistently run on Buffalo all year — but that’s not how the Broncos beat them. The Bills beat themselves with all their turnovers.
“You know, I wish I could point fingers man, and get a couple calls back,” Dawkins said after the game. “You know? I can’t wait to see the film and what really happened on some of those plays. But, hey.”
The Buffalo Bills Have a Lot of Questions to Answer Heading Into Next Season
As crushing as this loss is, the Bills may be even worse off next season without some changes. Allen covered up for a lot of Buffalo’s weakness this year, and they could be in trouble in 2026 if they don’t add to the roster.
Wide receiver is a major weakness for the Bills, with no receiver eclipsing 750 yards and only two securing over 400 yards. Beefing up the wide receiver room should be the Bills’ top priority, closely followed by improving their run defense.
With more weapons for Allen to throw to and some reinforcements in run support, the Bills may be able to make another run at a Super Bowl next season. But with the other AFC powers having down years in 2025, Buffalo may have blown their best chance at a title in decades.
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