The Buffalo Bills’ 26-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers wasn’t just another tally in the win column - it was a physical, emotionally charged battle that had a little bit of everything: hard hits, jawing after the whistle, and more than a few scuffles. And at the heart of one of the game’s most talked-about moments? Cam Hayward and Josh Allen.
Tensions ran high throughout the game, but one particular exchange stood out. Steelers defensive tackle Cam Hayward was visibly frustrated on the sideline and didn’t hold back postgame when asked about it.
According to Hayward, Allen kneed him in the stomach - and not by accident. The veteran lineman didn’t mince words when speaking to reporters, clearly still heated long after the final whistle.
Fast forward to Wednesday, and Josh Allen finally addressed the situation. His response? Calm, measured, and very much focused on what’s next.
“Listen, I got a lot of respect for Cam Hayward, but we're on to the Bengals,” Allen said.
That’s it. No back-and-forth, no bulletin board material. Just a quarterback keeping his eyes on the bigger picture - and that picture is a Week 14 showdown with a red-hot Cincinnati Bengals team.
Bengals Loom Large in Week 14
A few weeks ago, this matchup might’ve looked like a favorable spot for the Bills. But that was before Joe Burrow returned and the Bengals found their rhythm - especially on defense. Cincinnati just dismantled Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, and they did it with a level of physicality and execution that should have Buffalo’s attention.
At 8-4, the Bills are still in a solid spot, but nothing is guaranteed in the AFC playoff race. The Houston Texans are breathing down their necks and, thanks to their head-to-head win earlier in the season, they hold the all-important tiebreaker. That means every game from here on out carries real weight - and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Buffalo can’t afford to get caught up in lingering drama from the Steelers game. And judging by Allen’s response, they won’t. He’s already turned the page, focused on the next challenge - one that could have major implications for the AFC playoff picture.
As for Hayward? We’ll see if he’s done talking. But the Bills have made their stance clear: it’s all about what’s ahead, not what’s behind.