Bills vs. Raiders Notebook: Buffalo Handles Business Amid Concerns
The Buffalo Bills were badly in need of their first win of the season after an embarrassing, 22-16 loss to the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. With the stage set for the home opener in Buffalo, the Bills hosted the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ultimately, the more talented team won, comfortably. The 38-10 victory gets Buffalo back to .500 and, at least for now, quieted some concerns.
What did we learn from Sunday’s action?
1. The run game is stunting the red zone offense.
Buffalo was quick to anoint running back James Cook as the starter heading into the season. He very well could be the best option, but this run game is severely lacking. There’s little confidence in the Bills’ ability to run between the tackles, and it’s obvious with offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s play calling.
They opted for sprint draws to Cook, taking a predominantly between the tackles concept and essentially pushing the play to the boundary. It worked nicely against the Raiders, but doesn’t bode well for the long-term health of the offense.
Individually, Cook had an impressive day with 17 carries for 123 yards to go along with four catches for 36 yards.
After three unsuccessful runs in a second quarter goal-to-go situation, the Bills decided to pass on fourth down and did not convert. It didn’t plummet Buffalo’s chances—the Las Vegas defense proved not to be up to the challenge—but the inefficiency should worry fans.
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A strong red zone offense is crucial to a team’s success, and there’s only so many hits quarterback Josh Allen should be willing to take. Improving the basic functions of the rushing attack is a must.
2. The linebackers are making a difference in coverage.
In Week 1, linebacker Terrel Bernard struggled a bit. On Sunday, Buffalo witnessed the fruits of his development.
Bernard picked off Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the first quarter, setting up the Bills in field goal range. The turnover would allow Buffalo to tie the game at seven apiece.
Later, veteran Matt Milano made his presence felt. He followed up his incredible Week 1 performance with another interception—this one of the highlight variety. He dunked on Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs to grab his second interception of the season, all but putting the game away.
If the secondary isn’t going to force turnovers, strong linebacker play can keep the defense afloat. It was a strong showing from the unit on Sunday.
3. The Bills took care of business. That matters.
It’s unfair to call a Week 2 contest a must-win game. It wasn’t. However, starting 0-2 against two teams Buffalo was expected to handle without much trouble would have set off some alarms.
The Bills opened as 9.5-point favorites and left Highmark Stadium with a multiple-possession win. With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins looming, getting into the win column was imperative.
Amidst the Allen criticism, the cries for a better second receiver, and a concern that this team might not have it, Buffalo accomplished what it set out to do. For now, those questions can take on a little less urgency.
The sky isn’t falling in upstate New York.
