The Buffalo Bills got off to a slow start in their home opener against the New York Jets. Tyrod Taylor’s end zone interception, the result of a tipped ball, turned the Bills’ offense on their heels. However, the Buffalo defense held the Jets scoreless, and the game took a positive turn from there. Buffalo walked away with a 21-12 victory and is number one in the Afc East after the New England Patriots fell to the Kansas City Chiefs this past Thursday. Here is how Taylor and the Buffalo offense dominated the game in New Era Field.
LeSean McCoy leads the pack
Running back LeSean McCoy did not disappoint his team. According to NFL.com, McCoy racked up 159 yards for the day on 27 carries. While he did not score any touchdowns, McCoy’s rushing yards helped to set up scores for Charles Clay, Andre Holmes, and Mike Tolbert. McCoy’s elusiveness and shifty legs burned the Jets’ defense a few times. Tolbert scored a touchdown and showed that he could be a solid back-up for Shady McCoy.
Charles Clay a key factor in passing game
Tight end Charles Clay showed that he was worth his money. He and Taylor connected for over 50 yards and a touchdown. Clay’s receptions led the Bills’ offense. The tight end showed that he could get open and beat his competition.
Taylor displayed his steady chemistry with Clay, one of the few guys left from the old Doug Whaley GM days.
Tyrod Taylor spreads ball around
Buffalo’s offense was well balanced all game. Jordan Matthews proved that he was worth the team’s decision to trade away cornerback Ronald Darby. Matthews was Taylor’s target on a long throw.
He also caught a pass that Taylor threaded perfectly between two defenders. Taylor gave rookie wide receiver Zay Jones the first completion of his NFL career. Wide receiver Andre Holmes redeemed his mediocre pre-season and training camp performance by hauling in an end zone reception for a touchdown. For the day, Taylor threw for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as stated on NFL.com.
He used his legs to extend some plays and piled up close to 40 yards rushing.
Buffalo Bills' defense
The Bills’ defense showed up to work today. Both safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde picked off Jets quarterback Josh McCown. Buffalo’s defense stuffed the run, with New York not even getting 40 rushing yards for the day. McCown did manage to connect on some throws to players that the Bills left uncovered, though. This is an area that Buffalo needs to improve upon for their match-up against the Carolina Panthers next week.
For now, the Buffalo Bills are on top of the AFC East.
