Matt Barkley had a solid debut in a Bills uniform, but it was Buffalo’s receivers that really stole the show. Zay Jones and Robert Foster particularly had their most inspiring performances of the season. Foster got things going with a deep 47-yard bomb down the right sideline on the game’s first play from scrimmage and became Buffalo’s first 100-yard receiver on the season. Jones was Barkley’s most reliable target throughout the contest, with six catches resulting in either a first down or touchdown.
Both LeSean McCoy and Marcus Murphy had productive games on the ground for Buffalo. The Bills’ offensive line didn’t dominate New York’s defensive line on the ground, but both Shady and Murphy did a nice job finding the hole and bursting through to gain chunks on the ground. Both backs forced a few missed tackles against the Jets and both backs also did a nice job running through contact, finishing runs with a couple of extra yards as they went to the ground.
There is a strong defensive unit building in Buffalo with some nice fits in their zone blitz scheme. It all starts up front, where Shaq Lawson‘s return from injury offers a legitimate threat opposite of Jerry Hughes. With Kyle Williams still mauling on the interior, the Bills have a variety of threats when they jump into their nickel package. The linebacker corps might have their deficiencies, but they do offer versatility to bring rushers from different angles in long yardage situations. Lorenzo Alexander and Matt Milano, in particular, are effective when the Bills dial up the blitz.
Good safety tandems are not common in the modern NFL. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer might not make many Pro Bowl lists, but they are a solid duo who can be relied upon to prevent big plays. Hyde had an impressive pick against the Jets, falling off what looked like man coverage to undercut a seam route to another slot receiver. It displayed great instincts and ball skills, baiting a struggling Josh McCown into a dreadful decision. Outstanding stop units can be built on reliable safeties; Buffalo’s pair falls into that category.