ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — — Josh Allen had a message for the fans — and maybe for the rest of the NFL — after thousands exited early to avoid traffic on Sunday night. In the end, many probably wished they had stayed. buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens match player stats

“Our team never quit,” Allen said, his voice scratchy after leading the Bills to an incredible 41-40 comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener, erasing a 15-point deficit in the final minutes. “Some people left early. That’s fine. But next time, keep the faith.”

Allen delivered two rushing touchdowns and threw for another during a wild fourth quarter, including a tipped-ball grab in the end zone by Keon Coleman. The reigning MVP then directed a nine-play, 66-yard drive in the closing 86 seconds, setting up Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal as time expired.

“Josh has always wanted the ball in the biggest moments,” coach Sean McDermott said. “That’s how the great ones think. He never believes he’s out of a game.” buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens match player stats

Allen finished 33 of 46 for 394 yards with two touchdowns, tying Joe Ferguson for second on the franchise’s all-time win list with victory No. 77.

Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense bent but refused to fully break, despite being pounded by Derrick Henry, who totaled 169 rushing yards and scored twice. Lamar Jackson contributed three total touchdowns and guided Baltimore to scores on seven of the team’s first eight drives.

But Henry’s late fumble — forced by Ed Oliver and recovered by Terrel Bernard — opened the door with 3:06 remaining.

Allen punched in a 1-yard score two minutes later, closing the gap to 40-38. The defense then forced a three-and-out, giving Buffalo one final chance. buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens match player stats

“The biggest thing I noticed was that nobody panicked,” Prater said. The 41-year-old, filling in for injured Tyler Bass, nailed the winner in his Bills debut.

Buffalo overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter hole for just the third time in team history. Baltimore, with 235 rushing yards, became the first team ever to lose while scoring 40-plus and rushing for that many yards in one game. buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens match player stats

“You have to finish,” Jackson said. “It’s not over until the clock hits zero, zero, zero. We learned that tonight.”

Henry accepted responsibility for the loss. “Put it on me,” he said. “I got careless with the ball. If I protect it, the outcome is different.”

Henry had appeared to seal it earlier with a 46-yard touchdown run, putting Baltimore ahead 40-25 with 11:42 left. The game — a rematch of last year’s playoff thriller, a 27-25 Bills win — lived up to expectations. Buffalo posted 497 total yards, while both teams combined for a staggering 929.

There was even drama in the stands. After DeAndre Hopkins’ 29-yard score, a fan struck Hopkins and then swiped at Jackson, who shoved the man back before security ejected him.

The night was electric as Buffalo celebrated its final home opener at Highmark Stadium — “The Ralph” — before moving to a new $2.1 billion venue next season.

Allen also directed a late scoring march before halftime, setting up Prater’s 43-yard make. Baltimore rookie Tyler Loop hit two field goals and missed a costly extra point while replacing former Raven Justin Tucker.

Zay Flowers hauled in seven passes for a career-best 143 yards and a touchdown. Henry climbed into sixth on the all-time rushing TD list and matched Jim Brown with his 13th game of 150-plus rushing yards and two TDs