Buffalo Bills photo credit
By Brandon J. Koch
The Buffalo Bills open up the 2017 season with a 21-12 win over the New York Jets at New Era Field.
Here are some thoughts on the game:
Defense leads the way: Sean McDermott’s defense started 2017 with a solid performance. The run defense gave up only 38 yards on 15 carries. Preston Brown was all over the field. Rookie cornerback Tre’Davious White had a nice NFL debut, gave up some plays but covered good on most throws. But the highlights of the defense in my opinion are the safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Both had interceptions and Poyer had the only sack of the day. But most of all they were the swarming safeties that this defense has missed for a while. I expect the defense to build on this performance. It’s nice to see some fundamental tackling.
McCoy’s all around day: Running back LeSean McCoy racked up 159 yards of total offense and led the way. He picked up where he left off and looks better than ever. There were times when the running game went dry, but sticking with it and paid off later on. If the Bills want to continue to have McCoy as the face of their offense, he will have to be both a running and receiving threat.
Tyrod’s efficient offense: Not perfect by any means, but I thought Tyrod had a nice game today. Throwing over the middle, using his legs and being effective out of the bootleg. He used Charles Clay early and often, although Clay didn’t help his quarterback with drops, one that led to an interception. Yes, Tyrod didn’t go deep downfield, but he did what we’ve been wanting too see from him for a while.
Final thoughts: It was a nice win for this football team. The defense was great and the offense did enough to put points on the board. I’m hoping they can build on this performance as they take on Cam Newton and the Panthers next week.
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