The 2025 Buffalo Bills season has been written, but the book is incomplete. Before we cast our full attention toward the 2026 season, let’s take one last glance back over our shoulder for our annual look at the Plays That Defined the prior campaign.
For any newcomers, first and foremost; Welcome! When it comes to the “rules” of this exercise, we’re not voting for our favorite highlight necessarily, but the one that best captures the essence of the game. Put differently, if you had to choose just one play
to show someone to explain as much of the contest as possible, which would you choose?
Week 2; Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Entering Week 2 of the season, the Buffalo Bills were traveling to New Jersey to take on the Jets after a nailbiter against the Ravens. The Jets had narrowly lost their own nailbiter to the Pittsburgh Steelers. What could the Buffalo Bills expect from new head coach Aaron Glenn? Would Justin Fields put together another solid outing? The Buffalo defense had looked shaky to put it mildly in Week 1.
Despite Josh Allen throwing zero touchdowns, the game was over early for the star quarterback. Seconds into the fourth quarter, the Bills went up 30 -3 behind a ball possession offense that ultimately chewed up a preposterous 38:21 time of possession. The Jets offense wasn’t taken down by fluky turnovers either, with just one in the contest. They just simply got pushed around on that side of the ball too.
Josh Allen third down conversion (Q1, 12:44)
Last time I noted how I like to try to find plays that are spread out over the game when I can and proceeded to give five plays from the fourth quarter. This is a little better but be warned four plays area from the first 21 minutes of game time. The game looked pretty much over at that point.
It’s hard to have a dominant win without at least one Josh Allen highlight and this one gets the nod. On the Bills’ first drive, this play stalling could have changed the momentum of the entire game. Instead, a dominant run is a good way to illustrate the day.
James Cook touchdown 1 (Q1; 7:33)
Another thing I try to avoid is plays that might cannibalize votes from similar plays. As you’ll see below, I coudn’t decide which James Cook touchdown deserved to win so I’m letting you decide. Not to sway votes, but rightfully a Cook TD is likely the way to go. Cook averaged more than six yards per carry, running for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
Justin Fields fumble (Q1; 7:24)
I was tempted to do more defensive highlights, but decided one stand-in was fine. While it is true that the defense stymied the Jets all day, it’s also true the lopsided time of possession meant there just weren’t that many defensive plays in comparison. This fumble from harassment tells a lot of the tale on defense for what’s it worth.
James Cook touchdown 2 (Q2; 9:00)
Here’s the second one. They’re both pretty amazing, right?
Jets’ touchdown (Q4; 3:30)
We like Tyrod Taylor, so seeing him come in and throw a touchdown is pretty cool. Also, while this is technically a defensive lowlight, it speaks volumes about the day on how it played out. You have a veteran quarterback known for being good at protecting the ball and being a steady hand needing to squeak in a throw against backup defenders.
