Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘In what became the latest in unconscionable Buffalo playoff failures, the Bills, dominating for the first 40-plus minutes of the game, unraveled in absolutely epic fashion and lost 22-19 in overtime to the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon at NRG Stadium.’

‘You watch professional football long enough, and you will see finishes that even Hollywood can’t script. And what we witnessed Saturday will stack right up there in the colorful playoff history of these two original American Football League cities, where football isn’t a game, but a way of life.’

‘When Daboll interviews for the Browns head coaching job on Sunday, he’s going to have to explain why his offense — once again — was unable to break the 20-point barrier. Why, against a mediocre Houston defense, was it only able to score one touchdown, that on a trick play?’

‘While Buffalo fans clad in jerseys could be spotted all around NRG Stadium and the massive Astrodome area complex, the place to be was a private parking lot at Greenbriar and Fannin Street.’

‘Ask any professional football fan in western New York or the greater Houston/Nashville area who are of a certain vintage about “The Comeback’’ and “The Music City Miracle’’ and they’ll know. Their eyes will light up like a can of Sterno under a pan of chicken wings or barbecue ribs. Or sink to the ground should they remember those famous games as “The Choke’’ and “Illegal Forward Pass.’’’

‘“He hasn’t been in a playoff game,” offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said when he was asked whether the past month playing on big stages against playoff-level competition has steeled Allen for what he’ll encounter in Houston.’

‘Bills 23, Texans 17.’

‘Maybe not among fans and media, but Watson sure gets the respect from opponents. Taken two spots after Mahomes in the 2017 Draft, Watson would be 3-for-3 in playoff berths for the Texans had he not torn up his knee his rookie season. That year, he had 16 touchdown passes in October alone.’

‘In comparison, the cheapest tickets for the other three wild-card games in New England, Philadelphia and New Orleans start at $91, $150 and $93, respectively.’

‘“It’s not about me, my goal is to win and that’s the only thing I’m worried about,” Johnson said as the Bills began preparations for the showdown against the Texans at his old home, NRG Stadium. “But it will feel good to go back to a team that I was previously on and I’ll go out there and be at my best.”’

‘“I’d say the biggest thing is that when you get to the playoffs is not trying to be something you’re not,’’ Morse said of the advice he can give. “You change things, you tighten up, and forget what got you there. You want to be on your P’s and Q’s, but if you change your identity completely, that’s when you get in trouble. The best teams I’ve been on stick to the script, they know what works.’’’

‘Coach Sean McDermott sat out seven regulars including both starting receivers, Cole Beasley and John Brown, running back Devin Singletary, and cornerback Tre’Davious White. He also played front-line starters for only a couple series, and then spent the rest of the afternoon hoping the clock would run quickly so the Bills could get out of the game healthy and ready to roll for the AFC wild-card playoff game next weekend.’

‘Houston entered Week 17 ranked 28th in yards allowed, 30th in passing yards, 31st in preventing third-down conversions, 20th in rushing and 18th in points. It’s a game where, if the Bills take care of the ball and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll comes up with a diverse game plan, they could certainly score enough to outlast the Texans who will be facing the stout Buffalo defense.’

‘“Obviously it’s one of the proudest moments as a father that I’ve had, it was really emotional,’’ said Alexander, 36, who confirmed his intention to retire, only this wasn’t the time or place to detract from the team’s playoff week. “I was surprised, I didn’t know she was singing it, so it was a really cool experience. I thought she did a great job, just very confident, but if you know my daughter, that’s right up her alley.’’’

‘Without Singletary, the Bills weren’t going to have much success on the ground against a stout Jets defense that entered the game ranked second in the NFL against the run. Frank Gore carried the early load and gained 26 yards, and then T.J. Yeldon — active with Singletary down — tacked on 18 yards in the second half. Yeldon showed some flash as a receiver, and it just remains a mystery why he was so underused in that role this year. The Bills averaged just 3.7 yards per attempt, and that was with 30 yards on two jet sweeps by Isaiah McKenzie. Had the Bills been able to establish any type of ground game it would have been interesting to see how the offense would have functioned. Then again, with a line that included T Ryan Bates, C Ike Boettger and G Spencer Long for much of the way, it simply wasn’t possible.’