Steelers at Bills: Highlights, score and recap

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Buffalo Bills 27-20 on the road in Week 14. Here are the highlights and key players from Sunday’s game at New Era Field.

Le’Veon Bell rushed for 236 yards and three touchdowns to inspire the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 27-20 road win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. The Steelers are now 8-5 and have leapfrogged the Baltimore Ravens into first place in the AFC North, while the Bills drop to 6-7 in the East.

Bell’s monster game, which also included four catches for 62 yards, helped the Steelers overcome three interceptions by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The Bills tried to counter Bell with a big passing day from dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor. But his two touchdowns and 228 yards through the air ultimately weren’t enough.

Bell went over from three yards, before scoring again from seven yards out, as the Steelers built a 14-7 lead at the break. Buffalo’s only answer was a Taylor to Sammy Watkins connection from eight yards.

The Bills were playing it close, but still couldn’t stop Bell in the third quarter. He scored on a five-yard run to restore the 14-point advantage.

Chris Boswell kicked a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter, either side of Charles Clay turning a short pass from Taylor into a 40-yard scoring catch and run.

LeSean McCoy tried to remind people there was another running back on the field when he went in from the the three to reduce the deficit to seven points. But it was as close as the Bills got.

Three Stars

1. Le’Veon Bell

There’s nobody more fitting to start with than Bell, after the dynamic runner set records for fun in the Buffalo snow. First, Bell established a new franchise-best single-game rushing performance, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

He also claimed a place next to the great Jim Brown in the league-wide record books, per ESPN Stats & Info and the Elias Sports Bureau:

One record Bell couldn’t claim, though, was the most carries in a game for the Steelers, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Bell is arguably the most exciting runner in the NFL. He’s got the nifty moves and sudden speed to turn any carry into a game-breaking play.

But this week was all about his workhorse qualities. The Steelers now know they can put a game on Bell’s back in the wintry days of the playoffs.

2. Bud Dupree

The Steelers needed a pass-rusher younger than 38-year-old James Harrison to announce himself. Step forward Bud Dupree.

Pittsburgh’s first-round draft choice in 2015 broke out with two sacks. He also made five solo tackles in a dominant display off the edges.

The Steelers used to be an enviable production line of imposing outside pressure specialists. Production has slowed somewhat in recent years, but second-year man Dupree is showing potential to keep the tradition alive.

3. Sammy Watkins

The Bills are a different offense when Watkins is healthy and motivated. Head coach Rex Ryan will have been delighted to see the gifted wide receiver on form in Week 14.

Watkins only snagged four passes, but he still tallied 54 yards and found the end zone. He offered a reminder of his game-changing qualities.

Watkins is a move playmaker who can baffle coverage from multiple spots. He’s sneaky good underneath and lethal when going deep.

Coordinator Anthony Lynn has to do whatever it takes to get the ball in Watkins’ hands more often.

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That faith was well-founded when Green caught six passes for 110 yards during last week’s win over the New York Giants. He can torment the Bills whenever he faces single coverage.

Next Week

The Steelers will be on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15, while the Bills host the Cleveland Browns.