The Buffalo Bills and all their fans are gloating this week. After being written off by the football world before even taking the field against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, Buffalo is advancing to the AFC Championship.

The Bills’ defense didn’t have a perfect game, but did plenty to slow down the dual threat of Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry. While many are deserving of the spotlight, I’ll be taking a look at safety Damar Hamlin.

I’ll level with you. With over 60 plays to choose from, obviously some of what’s here is up to my discretion. I could show the play where Hamlin wipes out on the field unassisted. I could show the play where a certain running back blasts through Hamlin like we all expected. Instead, let’s focus on Damar Hamlin’s contribution to the win.

Play 1 — Tackle for a loss

For the record, the running back who barreled through Hamlin was Justice Hill. Hamlin held his own against Derrick Henry, including slipping around the edge and taking Henry down for a loss of one. If you know me, you know I like TFL’s as much as a sack. This was an incredible early play to set the tone. Who wants to tackle Derrick Henry? Hamlin had no qualms with it.

Play 2 — Touchdown saver?

I chose this angle since it better-shows Hamlin making the tackle. You may have felt with the play title this was later in the game, but this earlier dust-up with Henry may have also saved a touchdown. Cornerback Christian Benford may have had a pursuit angle to stop Henry, and safety Taylor Rapp was in the area enough where you can’t help but think he may have, too. That said, if Henry plowed into Hamlin and through him, this is a touchdown.

Instead, Hamlin had a great angle, and Henry bounced closer to Rapp. Hamlin’s impact on the tackle shows that Henry didn’t make a mistake, as it’s likely Hamlin would have made the tackle solo if needed.

Play 3 — Sack and forced fumble

It’s easy to see the botched snap and think that’s the main reason for this sack. To be sure, it doesn’t hurt in that it delayed Lamar Jackson’s rhythm. With that said, look at that gap if Jackson could have started running. Linebacker Terrel Bernard had his back turned, and honestly it’s just a nightmare scenario for Buffalo if Jackson burst forward.

Making it even worse, Jackson collected the ball in time to see Hamlin and react to him. Hamlin had good closing speed but respected the agility of Jackson and didn’t let himself get washed out by being over eager. He’s got an ankle and that’s plenty.

Play 4 — Touchdown Saver, Part 2

Alright, you knew you were going to see this play. It’s a great touchdown-saving shoestring tackle on a likely Hall of Fame-caliber running back. What I wanted to highlight with my look is the moment Hamlin’s body positioning showed he’s committed to the play. Henry wasn’t quite back to the line even when Hamlin recognized the play and started setting himself up for the tackle.

Hamlin was the last resort, he knew it, and he made sure he didn’t blow it. Sure the Ravens scored anyway soon after, but this took time off the clock, which worked to the Bills’ defensive game plan.

The Final Straw

Being realistic about Damar Hamlin, I could have easily posted a few lowlights if I wanted to flip the narrative. That’s going to be true of any player. Seeing as how I posted mostly highlights, it behooves me to give a more tempered opinion.

Hamlin held his own. While there were mistakes, I didn’t see any easily exploited tendency — and more often than not, sound coverage. Hamlin has been a feel-good story for non-football reasons, but he’s making the most out of his opportunity and bringing that positive narrative to the field as well.