The day that we all have been waiting for since the end of the Super Bowl…opening weekend in the NFL. After a big 2019 season and successful offseason, the Buffalo Bills finally got the chance to show what they are previewing for the entire league on Sunday. Hosting the rival New York Jets, the Bills controlled the game through four quarters with a few hiccups but pulled out a 27-17 win over the Jets.
In an odd fashion that goes against the old Buffalo way, the Bills offense went pass happy in this game. Josh Allen ended up throwing 46 times for 312 yards and two touchdowns. It was a career for him in yards and passer rating, and it marks the first time since 2016 that the Bills had a 300 yard passer. Allen also added 57 rushing yards and a score on 14 carries.
Devin Singletary and Zack Moss each had nine carries, limiting their workload in a surprising move. Moss did contribute in the pass attack with a touchdown reception in the first quarter. Newly acquired Bills receiver Stefon Diggs led the receiving core in receptions and yards, hauling in eight catches for 86 yards. John Brown ended up with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
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The Buffalo defense did what they always do, they showed up and balled out. The pass defense only allowed 215 passing yards from Sam Darnold, applied three sacks and forced an interception. Although, this week will be a crucial one to pay attention to with the injuries of linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano. If these injuries are serious, it will bring major concerns for the coming weeks.
Game Takeaways
The Bills offense paved the way for most of the game. While Allen ended up having a great game to start out the season, he ended up fumbling twice early which kept points off the board. Buffalo ended up holding the ball for over 41 minutes (Jets had it for almost 19 minutes) but only won by ten points which is concerning.
Allen was smart with the ball with no interceptions but made some questionable throws that kept points off the board, including overthrowing Brown in the back of the end zone.
The Bills head away from home next week for a date with the Miami Dolphins, who will be looking for their first win of the season.