Archives for November 20, 2023

‘Wilson had previously beaten the Bills twice in his career, including in the season opener in New York. It would have been nothing short of a disaster if he were able to pull it off a third time. The Bills made sure not to allow that, despite a never-ending run of defensive injuries that continued.’

‘“This wasn’t an offense that was broken,” quarterback Josh Allen said. “We’ve been playing close to where we need to play. (Sunday was) not as good as we can play, but, obviously, better, and that’s, obviously, a good thing to see. I felt like I didn’t try to force anything, and trusted the guys around me to make plays.”’

‘It was just the second touchdown against the New York Jets by an opposing wide receiver this season, and the first since Week 1. Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs was the lone other opposing WR to score this season. The Jets were allowing a league-low 102 yards to opposing wide receivers per game this season. Shakir topped that himself.’

‘Obviously, it is too early to make a call on Brady. Tough games await. The other big thing that went right: The Bills committed just one turnover, on a Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half.’

‘Despite losing three defensive backs to injury (safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerbacks Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson) in the first half, the Bills forced Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to the bench late in the third quarter.’

‘“It feels good, man. It was a surreal moment,” Johnson said of his 26-yard TD catch. “It was just being present in the moment. You always think you’re going to get that opportunity, but you just don’t know when you have a great running back room like we have.”’

‘Fullback Reggie Gilliam started the game off with a bang, forcing a fumble by Jets kick returner Xavier Gipson that was recovered by tight end Quintin Morris, setting up a field goal. Gilliam also made a tackle on the kickoff following that field goal. Tyler Bass started the game strong, hitting field goals of 48, 30 and 33 yards to open a 9-0 lead as the offense settled in. Getting beat on a fake punt will likely make Bills special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley’s blood boil. That play, which came late in the second quarter, temporarily gave the Jets some life. Bass also missed an extra point in the third quarter. None of those mistakes proved all that costly, but they’ll need to be cleaned up against better teams.’