‘The NFL views the small-market team as a regional foothold, and sources said owners Terry and Kim Pegula have never raised the specter of Austin or any other city with commissioner Roger Goodell or any other league official. The Bills have not done any studies on Austin or any other potential site, and all the sources indicated there is actually a sense of optimism that a long-term home can be found in Orchard Park.’
Archives for September 2021
Bills fall apart in second half; drop season opener to Steelers
‘Buffalo’s first offensive drive of the third quarter saw the team advancing into Pittsburgh territory, but instead of settling for a long field goal attempt by Bass, the Bills attempted to go for it on a 4th-and-8 play. At the Steelers’ 35-yard line, Allen fired a pass down the field intended for Davis, but his pass was knocked away.’
Three observations: Bills shoot themselves in foot against Steelers
‘While the Bills held a 10-0 lead heading into the locker room at halftime, things fell apart for Buffalo in the second half, as the Steelers executed their game plan well with some efficient play in all three phases of the game.’
Opinion: Bills’ offensive line play a concern
‘However, it’s hard not to wonder whether bringing back the same offensive line from 2020 – that struggled mightily, at times – was the best idea.’
Opinion: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Steelers at Bills
‘Bills head coach Sean McDermott elected to punt on two different fourth down situations that he could have gone for – first on a 4th-and-1 from his own 46-yard line, then on 4th-and-3 from the Steelers’ 43 one drive later. Quarterback Josh Allen was even imploring his head coach to go for it both times.’
Steelers beat Bills 23-16 in front of packed Highmark Stadium
‘The Bills could not convert on fourth and one and the Steelers turn around and score to take a 13-10 lead on an incredible catch by Diontae Johnson.’
“They got the better of us today”, Bills offense struggles to capitalize in loss to Steelers
‘Allen didn’t look like the efficient guy Bills fans are used to seeing. He finished 30-of-51 for 270 yards, a touchdown, and lost a fumble. It wasn’t the type of play you’d expect from a QB worth $258M.’
Defense not excluded from woes in loss to Steelers
‘”They made some plays. And if we want to take the next step, we can’t let that stuff happen,” Bills safety Micah Hyde said. “We executed well in the first half, and then in the second half, like I said, we weren’t able to stop the bleeding.”‘
Bills fans ecstatic to tailgate for season opener, first game at full capacity since 2019
‘One fan described this day as “ the greatest day of the year” and said it felt like Christmas.’
Strong second half lifts Steelers over Bills 23-16 in season opener
‘But Pittsburgh put together a dominant second half of play. The Steelers scored 20 unanswered points, scoring a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to take the lead, then blocking a Bills punt and returning it back for the score to take the lead.’
Bills defense kept it close but couldn’t stop Steelers ‘momentum’ in second half
‘“Once they got the momentum we couldn’t stop. They had a blocked punt for a touchdown, the momentum kept rolling, they were moving the ball a little bit better on offense that they weren’t able to do in the first half. They made some adjustments and we were not able to execute right and I think penalties hurt us too and from there we just couldn’t stop their momentum,” Bills safety Micah Hyde said after the game.’
4 Observations: Bills lose opener 23-16
‘The Bills decisions on 4th down were questionable. The coaching staff decided to punt on 2 drives when they have the ball inside Steelers territory. The offense had the ball on the 46 and 43 and were facing a 4th & 1 and 4th & 3 and punted. The Bills held a 3-0 lead in the 1st half when they took a conservative approach. In the 2nd half, the Bills decided to go for it on 4th down twice and came up empty both times.’
Josh Allen after season opening loss to Steelers: “You can’t expect to beat a good football team beating yourself”
‘“We’re not gonna panic. There’s 16 games left and we know what we need to do and again we’re gonna look at the film and work and strive to get better,” Allen said.’
Mike Tomlin, Steelers discuss Bills after the game
‘“We knew what type of day we were going to have here today, from an environmental standpoint,” Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said. “It’s just good to come into an environment against an AFC giant if you will, defending AFC East champs and get a win in September.’
Disappointed Buffalo Bills fans keep hopes high that the team will turn things around this season
‘70,000 strong were at Highmark Sunday to cheer on the Bills, hoping for a win — but those hopes were quickly dashed. People know it’s only just the beginning and there are still 16 games to play.’