The Buffalo Bills closed out a perfect preseason with a 28-27 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, powered by Shane Buechele’s late two-point conversion.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27 on Thursday night at Highmark Stadium, rallying from a late deficit to finish the preseason a perfect 3-0. Backup quarterback Shane Buechele delivered the decisive two-point conversion pass with the game on the line, capping a dramatic come-from-behind victory that spoiled the Steelers’ own late-game surge.
Bills’ Comeback Fueled by Buechele and Bell
Shane Buechele was the engine of Buffalo’s comeback, completing 26 of 38 passes for 196 yards, including the game-winning two-point conversion. The Bills leaned on a balanced attack, with Skyler Bell providing a spark in both phases: he rushed once for 28 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in seven receptions for 49 yards. Kicker Tyler Bass connected from 33 and 42 yards, giving Buffalo an early cushion and a late lead that proved crucial.
Defensively, Phidarian Mathis recorded the Bills’ only sack, while Keonta Jenkins led the team with six total tackles. Buffalo’s resilience was on display, as they erased a 27-20 deficit in the final minutes, setting up Buechele’s heroics.
Steelers’ Strong Effort Falls Short
Pittsburgh (1-2) had its own standout performers. Quarterback Drew Allar completed 9 of 18 passes for 88 yards, while Lew Nichols led the ground game with 40 yards on seven carries (5.7 yards per carry). Max Hurleman was the top receiving threat with three catches for 50 yards, accounting for more than half of Allar’s passing yardage. Defensively, Devan Boykin was active with nine total tackles, and Julius Welschof contributed a sack.
The Steelers’ offense showed flashes, with Will Howard connecting on two touchdown passes — a 13-yard strike to Germie Bernard and a 5-yard toss to Lake McRee — and Eli Heidenreich added a 9-yard rushing score. Chris Boswell converted all three extra points.
Turning Point: The Final Two-Point Conversion
After Tyler Bass’s 42-yard field goal pulled the Bills to within 27-26, Buffalo needed a two-point conversion to take the lead. Buechele delivered, finding a receiver in the end zone to put the Bills ahead 28-27 with little time remaining. The Steelers’ final drive stalled, sealing the dramatic finish.
Earlier, the game featured several momentum swings. The Bills opened with a Bass field goal, but the Steelers answered with two touchdowns to take a 14-3 lead. Frank Gore Jr. scored on a 1-yard run for Buffalo, but Eli Heidenreich’s touchdown and a 45-yard punt return by Kaden Wetjen (with a failed two-point try) gave Pittsburgh a 27-20 edge. The Bills’ late rally was the difference.
Key Stats and Performances
- Shane Buechele (BUF): 26/38, 196 yards, game-winning two-point conversion
- Skyler Bell (BUF): 1 carry, 28 yards, 1 TD; 7 receptions, 49 yards
- Drew Allar (PIT): 9/18, 88 yards
- Lew Nichols (PIT): 7 carries, 40 yards
- Devan Boykin (PIT): 9 total tackles
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Bills, finishing 3-0 in the preseason under rookie head coach Joe Brady builds confidence, but the focus now shifts to roster cuts and the health of ten questionable players, including Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Terrel Bernard. Josh Allen sat out, but his sideline presence was noted.
The Steelers, meanwhile, face a critical decision at quarterback. Coach Mike McCarthy said all four signal-callers — including Drew Allar and Will Howard — have “earned roster spots,” raising the possibility of keeping four QBs. Pittsburgh also has a lengthy injury report with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Jalen Ramsey listed as questionable, adding uncertainty as the regular season approaches.
Both teams now await their regular-season openers, with the Bills riding a wave of preseason perfection and the Steelers looking to shore up execution in crunch time.
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