Last week, the Buffalo Bills were the underdogs against the Denver Broncos at New Era Field. Buffalo took care of business on their turf with a 26-16 win. This past weekend, the Bills walked into Mercedes-Benz Stadium as underdogs against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills defied the odds with a 23-17 victory. Their defense played their top game. Deep passes to Charles Clay helped move the ball and set up kicker Steven Hauschka for three field goals. Here is the rundown of a game that is stunning sports analysts and the rest of the nation.
Buffalo defense stalls Matt Ryan
The Bills’ defense stayed consistent throughout four quarters by pressuring Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan. Numerous hits on Ryan, a forced fumble that turned into a Tre’Davious White touchdown, and a pair of interceptions by Micah Hyde helped the Bills seal the day with a road victory.
Ryan and Atlanta had a chance to beat Buffalo in the last minute of the fourth quarter. Longtime Bills’ fans were biting their nails and waiting for the heartbreaking defeat. However, the Buffalo defense stood tall on fourth-and-one to end the game. A couple kneels and Buffalo left the field with a 3-1 record and some new believers in the team.
Tyrod Taylor goes deep
Tyrod Taylor made big plays when the team needed him to step up.
He found tight end Charles Clay for passes of 34 and 44 yards, as stated by Pro Football Focus. In the fourth quarter, Taylor connected with Clay in tough double-coverage. Clay posted over 100 yards for the day.
With wide receiver Jordan Matthews out for a month with a thumb injury, Clay needs to remain that go-to man for Taylor.
The Bills’ quarterback has been impressive with his turnover rate. He only has one interception for the season. LeSean McCoy also held his own with over 100 yards of rushing and receiving.
AFC East leaders
With the New England Patriots’ loss to the Carolina Panthers, the team dropped to 2-2. New England has lost two games at home this year, largely to their inept defense.
The defense is giving up over 450 yards a game, as stated by USA Today. The Patriots’ loss places Buffalo as the leader of the Afc East. Some Bills’ fans felt karmic justice, as Patriots’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore was pulled from the game for his poor play.
It seems as if Bill Belichick’s plan of plunking Buffalo free agents during the offseason is backfiring on him. The Patriots have former Bills Chris Hogan, Mike Gillislee, and Gilmore.
Buffalo takes on the Cincinnati Bengals next week. A win would put Buffalo at 4-1 and make the possibility of being a playoff contender more legit. Keep it going, Buffalo Bills.
