ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Taron Johnson #24 of the Buffalo Bills runs on the field during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills finally record their first turnover of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it helped them put points on the board.
Remember earlier in the second quarter when the Pittsburgh Steelers got on the board with a touchdown off a fumble by Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox? Well, the Bills got their revenge nearly nine minutes of game-time later.
After kicking a field goal to cut the Bills’ deficit to 7-3, the Steelers attempted to move downfield to extend their lead. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempted threw a pass intended for star receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Instead, Bills cornerback Taron Johnson leaped in front of the wideout, recorded the interception and immediately returned it for a 51-yard touchdown, giving Buffalo a 9-7 lead at halftime.
Bills first forced turnover helps give them lead
Buffalo didn’t take a 10-7 lead entering the locker room because rookie kicker Tyler Bass’ missed the extra point attempt.
The Bills struggled to get anything going in the first half on the offensive side of the ball. Through two quarters, Buffalo managed to tally 102 yards of total offense. Additionally, the Bills turned the ball over twice. The first came from quarterback Josh Allen, whose pass to wide receiver Cole Beasley was thrown short, resulting in an interception. Then there was the aforementioned Knox fumble in the second quarter, which paved the way for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger connecting with wideout James Washington for a 19-yard touchdown.
While the Buffalo trailed Pittsburgh in terms of total yardage, they made up for it on one play to give them a pivotal lead entering the second half.