After an upsetting Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, Buffalo needed to respond to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole in the division, and they did just that, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 38-10 in a blowout win for their 2023 home opener.
Title
Josh Allen Masterclass
The Josh Allen we know, the Josh Allen we love, and the Josh Allen we need more of going forward showed up on Sunday afternoon. Throwing 31/37, 274 yards and 3 touchdowns, Allen had himself the defninition of a bounce back game. The fact that he also had ZERO turnovers all game long, shows he has the capability to be patient. If he can continue to be patient and play the way he did vs the Raiders, defenses are going to have to adapt, and it will only make this offense better.
LET JAMES COOK!
James Cook was fed the rock on Sunday, getting over 20 touches and obtaining the first 100 yard rushing game of his career. Throughout the game, Cook had his quickness and agility on full display- bouncing runs to the outside, and making guys miss in the open field. Although he was the only running back who didn’t get a rushing touchdown in this game (Harris and Murray both had 1), Cook was still the guy. Going forward, if Buffalo is going to have any chance of finally getting over the hump and making it to their first Super Bowl in 3 decades, getting production out of the Year 2 back is going to be crucial.
Linebackers Get Picks Too!
Both Matt Milano and Terrell Bernard had an interception on Sunday. Terrell Bernard, who caught the deflected pass for an interception, has quietly been an answer for departed MLB Tremaine Edmunds. Through 2 games, he has only been targeted once, and has a missed tackle percentage of 5.6%, which is significantly better than Tremaine Edmunds’ first 3 seaasons, and in line with his 4th season (4.0%). There’s still 15 more games to go, but if Bernard can stay healthy and continue to get better, the Bills may have a stud at MLB.
“Him”
Gabriel Davis had a day that would shut up the doubters. The 4th year reciever had 6 receptions for 92 yards and 1 TD, which lead the team. Buffalo had plenty of questions marks heading into the season, more specifically at WR2- is Gabe Davis the guy? After a somewhat injury plagued 2022, Davis is healthy and producing like the player Buffalo has known him to be. He looks to build off this game to earn a hefty new contract this offseason.
What’s Next?
In Week 3, Buffalo heads down to the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. to take on the 2-0 Commanders, who are coming off narrow wins against the Cardinals and Broncos. Buffalo will be their toughest matchup yet, and this might be likewise for the Bills. Looking to build off their Week 2 wins, the hope for Buffalo is both these teams leave with a winning record- 2-1.