Sunday’s 20-13 loss in Houston left Bills fans thinking about a Simon & Garfunkel classic from 1964.

“Hello darkness, my old friend”

With starting quarterback Josh Allen on the sideline nursing an elbow injury, the much maligned Nathan Peterman led two fourth quarter comebacks. One for the Bills, one for the Texans.

Peterman’s insertion into the lineup gave the Bills their first sign of life on offense. After the Bills defense recovered a fumble in Houston territory, the second year quarterback connected with Zay Jones for a touchdown reception to give the Bills a 13-10 lead early in the fourth quarter.

After the Texans kicked a game-tying field goal during their next drive, the ball was placed in Peterman’s hands with 1:34 remaining and a chance to win the game. On his second play from scrimmage, Peterman attempted a pass toward the sideline. The slow, fluttering attempt landed in the hands of Texans CB Jonathan Joseph, who ran untouched into Buffalo’s endzone for the go-ahead score.

“I’m not going to let it define,” said Peterman. “You put everything you have into this game every week amd you wanna come out with a win for your teammates and for all the guys in this locker room. It’s tough to lose like this for sure.”

The last time Nathan Peterman saw the field was back in the opening week against the Ravens. Peterman’s poor performance resulted in him getting benched shortly into the second half as the Bills suffered their worst opening day loss in team history 47-3.

“At the end of day I know where my true identity lies: in Christ. Being a child of God, basically. Not finding my identity in football. Just trying to find it in who I really am,” said Peterman

During his rookie year, Peterman impressed during the preseason against backups. When the Bills offense sputtered after a blowout loss to the Saints, head coach Sean McDermott inserted Peterman into the starting lineup for a game in Los Angeles against the Chargers. Peterman proceeded to record the worst statistical debut in NFL history with five interceptions as the Bills lost 54-24.

McDermott said after the Texans loss that Josh Allen was still being evaluated for his elbow injury. Allen ended his afternoon 10-for-17 passing for 84 yards. He also rushed four times for 20 yards. Peterman finished 6-for-12 passing for 61 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.