‘The Bills are scoring 31.8 points per game, which is on pace for a team record for a 16- or 17-game season. The Bills averaged 31.3 in 2020. At the height of the no-huddle Super Bowl era in 1991, they averaged 28.6 (that’s second-most per game in a 16-game season).’
BillsBeat - December 16, 2024
Takeaways, game balls from the Buffalo Bills' 48-42 win over the Detroit Lions
‘Gashed by the Rams last week, the Bills’ defense – minus three starters in the secondary – forced Detroit’s league-leading scoring offense to punt on its first two drives. On the opening drive, defensive tackle Ed Oliver and linebacker Matt Milano combined for a second-and-10 run stuff (David Montgomery for no gain). On the second drive, cornerback Christian Benford’s first career sack was followed by Oliver’s third-down sack. The Bills turned those two stops into a 14-0 lead and they never trailed.’
Plays that shaped the game: Bills' offense attacked Lions' weaknesses in big win
‘On their second play from scrimmage, the Bills exploited the linebacker matchup by hitting a 33-yard pass to Ty Johnson. It was off to the races for the Bills’ offense for the next 3 ½ hours as coordinator Joe Brady unleashed a superb game plan supported by brilliant passing from Josh Allen.’
Report Card: Offense shines, run defense excels as Buffalo Bills down Detroit Lions
‘Yes, the game plan was to try and keep the Lions in front of them and bleed clock, especially in the fourth quarter, but the secondary didn’t do a very good job. Goff threw for the most yards ever by an opposing quarterback, taking advantage of a secondary that was down three starters.’
Erik Brady: Dreaming of a Bills Christmas, for better or verse
‘Ere Sean flew out of sight, We heard him exclaim: “Happy Christmas to all — And to all a good game!”
Bills erupt for 48 points against Lions in one of best wins in Sean McDermott's career
‘It was quite a concession for a hard-boiled manly man coach like Campbell, but he was right. The Bills played with an unbridled passion and rose to every moment in beating a team that had won 11 games in a row and had outscored its opposition by a league-high 189 points.’
Bills report card: Josh Allen brilliance, unstoppable Buffalo offense bombard Lions
‘Yeah, it’s going to trash Buffalo’s defensive rankings, but McDermott’s not sweating that. To have survived this game in those circumstances and leave town with a W was impressive.’
Bills’ offense is incredible again, this time in a win
‘The Bills had the ball 12 times in Sunday’s 48-42 win and scored six touchdowns and two field goals. They only went off the field without points after a missed Tyler Bass kick, the end of the first half, one punt and the final play of the game, an Allen kneel-down. So Detroit succeeded twice, at most, in keeping Buffalo without at least a good chance at scoring.’
Bills offense, Josh Allen explode for 48 points, end Lions’ win streak (takeaways)
‘The Bills (11-3) ended an 11-game win streak for the Lions, and their 560 yards of offense are the most against Detroit in a game this season. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was sensational, completing 23 of 34 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns. Allen added 69 yards on the ground and two more rushing touchdowns. He now has 36 total touchdowns on the season.’
Bills third-string RB led team with Thurman Thomas-like performance over Lions
‘Johnson led all Bills receivers with 114 receiving yards, becoming the first Buffalo back to go over 100 yards receiving in a game since Fred Jackson in 2010. Four of his five catches came in the first half, and he sparked Buffalo’s offense with two explosive plays during its first touchdown drive.’
Josh Allen injury update: Bills QB explains why he needed visit to X-ray room after Lions game
‘“Just took a funky fall,” Allen said. “More peace of mind than anything. But everything checked out so we’re good. … Just a funky feeling but was able to throw. I don’t feel any pain right now and it’s more precaution than anything.”’
Bills’ Josh Allen puts bow on MVP case in 48-42 win over Lions (Encouraged/worried)
‘Buffalo came into the game shorthanded and left Detroit with a few more injuries. Linebackers Matt Milano (groin) and Dorian Williams (elbow) both were hurt in the game, which led to Baylon Spector having to play defense late. Williams was able to return on the Lions’ final drive of the game. Right tackle Spencer Brown also suffered a head injury in the game, while Cole Bishop exited the game due to cramping.’
‘Give him the MVP now’: National media react to Josh Allen’s performance in Bills win over Lions
‘“MVP race is over.”’
Bills outscore Lions in non-conference shootout, improve to 11-3
‘Allen put forth another MVP-level effort in the win, finishing 23 of 34 passing for 362 yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns. Buffalo’s running backs collectively contributed an incredible performance, with James Cook finishing with 14 carries for 105 yards rushing and a touchdown, while Ty Johnson caught 5 passes for 114 yards, and Ray Davis found the end zone on a five-yard TD reception. Buffalo finished with 560 total yards during the win.’
Five Takeaways: Did Allen lock up MVP in win over Lions? Bills best RB room in the league?
‘Quarterback Josh Allen was phenomenal, the Bills running game was electric, and the defense did just enough to help Buffalo get back on the winning track.’