Two Bills Drive

'As a pass-rusher, the top-five pick didn't have a spectacular campaign in 2016. In Rex Ryan's defense, he was asked to read, then react more often than simply attack up field, and he was the target of consistent double teams.'

'However, we can all agree that the Bills have a lot of work to do if they hope to beat just about everyone else (except the Jets later) on their schedule because in many ways, they were fortunate it was the Jets on the other sideline Sunday.'

'McCoy is getting better with age and Sunday raised his career yards from scrimmage to 12,043, starting the day 64th on the NFL’s career list before passing Don Maynard, Michael Irvin and Clinton Portis. He’s a long way from the Top 10, which includes Bills great Thurman Thomas (16,532) but McCoy has the type of running style and inner drive that makes longevity possible. And longevity, he noted, equals moving up the ranks as he moves the chains.'

'Here’s what I liked, though. He utilized the middle of the field more than he usually does, and he got Clay involved the way an NFL tight end in 2017 should be utilized. Also, he remains a dynamic runner and one play in particular comes to mind.'

'The unit was especially effective in the fourth quarter and Buffalo protecting its nine-point lead. Poyer picked off a McCown pass to Robby Anderson, making an aggressive move on the ball at the Buffalo 23-yard line. For a moment, it appeared Anderson had control but the interception awarded the Bills was upheld by replay.'

'“We knew we could go up and down the field on them and in a situation like that where the game is close, that’s where the offense has to step up and score points,” said guard Richie Incognito. “That was guys going out there and making plays, and believing that we could do it.”'

'McCoy was inspired. He made some great runs from scrimmage, and a few after catching passes. He finished with 110 rushing yards and 159 yards from scrimmage. It goes without saying, he must stay healthy for this offense to operate with any efficiency. Mike Tolbert, at least for one week, looked pretty good as the backup. He gained 42 yards, caught a pass, and scored a TD. Mike Gillislee, who? Nice job up front by the line against a solid Jets defensive line as the Bills ran for 190 yards.'

'A penalty magnet in preseason, the Bills committed only six for 50 yards.'

'McCown saved his turnovers for the fourth quarter when he threw a pair of interceptions to safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Sean McDermott managed to get a victory in his first game as a head coach, but the fans that filled New Era Field on Sunday afternoon will want to see more than a win against the lowly Jets before they buy into the Bills as a 2017 contender.'

'"He's really building something special," Bills guard Richie Incognito said. "There's a different energy, a whole different team year-to-year."'

'"Just today, his leadership," running back LeSean McCoy said. "Naturally Tyrod is a quiet guy and today he was very vocal. Times where we needed him to speak up, "Hey, quit the turnovers, quit the penalties, let's make plays. Tell the guys, look for me come to you on different jobs." So his leadership has really, I think, jumped you know from when I first met him, to trying to just make the team to making this team behind him. So I think the biggest jump is his leadership."'

'Poyer led the way with a 90.7 grade against the Jets. PFF said that Poyer only allowed 26 yards receiving against the Jets.'

'I feel good. I feel good. Very thankful, very thankful. Thank God for the win. Praise God. That was a great team victory. Thank Terry and Kim [Pegula] giving us the resources that they give us. Just like I said, it was an entire building win. Good to win as a team and extremely proud of the players the way they played. It’s never easy to win in this league and they played hard for four quarters. I certainly appreciate that. I also appreciate the fans. Four quarters, hanging in there with us. The intensity, the energy in this building was outstanding. Outstanding. To carry that for four quarters, I can’t thank them enough. It’s great to play at home, and we look forward to seeing them in a couple weeks here.'

'"There’s a lot of guys out there that are helping him do what he does, and I think he’d be the first one to tell you. As being an observer, somebody on the sideline, and somebody that’s played against him, I’m glad he’s on our team."'

'Despite a 21-12 win over the Jets in Sean McDermott's first game as head coach, the Bills are facing an uphill battle against the Panthers, who beat the 49ers 23-3 on the road this week. Cam Newton didn't have his best game, but the Panthers' defense, which was previously coached by McDermott, appears to be a formidable unit once again. Much will be made about McDermott's return to Carolina, and those on the outside don't expect much from his team.'