Bills Stay Atop AFC: 3 Takeaways From Buffalo's Win vs. Jets
The Buffalo Bills (10-3) are sending their fans home happy after a 20-12 win against the New York Jets (7-6) Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
The win keeps the Bills in the driver's seat for home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Buffalo will take the win, but the team knows that it can play better football.
Here's a look at three takeaways from Sunday's win against the Jets ...
Slow Start
The Bills' first five drives ended in a punt and the offense managed just three first downs. While the poor weather played a factor, Buffalo failed to take advantage on the ground, where the team has found success in recent weeks.
The Bills running backs didn't get a whole lot of action, managing just 10 carries for 49 yards. That's nearly five yards per carry, but the Bills chose to rely on the passing game more today and the team was not as explosive as it has been throughout the season.
Opportunity Knox
Tight end Dawson Knox was the leading receiver for just the second time this season. His four catches for 41 yards led the team, but his touchdown - the lone one in the game - was the biggest highlight of the day.
Knox is one of the players that can turn the offense from good to great. If he proves to be a threat up the middle, it frees up players like Devin Singletary, Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie.
No Fly (End) Zone For Jets
The way the Bills defense has played in the past two weeks is reminiscent of the early part of the season when many thought Buffalo boasted the No. 1 unit in the league.
The Bills' defense has now gone seven consecutive quarters against divisional opponents without allowing a touchdown. The team picked up four sacks, including a pair for Gregory Rousseau. With Von Miller out, Rousseau's seven sacks lead the team and he's filling the shoes of their future Hall of Famer well.
Considering how banged-up the defense has been all year, the team's depth has been tested and that can only be a plus for the Bills in the final month before the playoffs.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Thanks for reading our SI-powered coverage of your Buffalo Bills ... Bills Mafia! Get your Buffalo game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
You're a member of Bills Mafia hungry for more Buffalo coverage? Read here.
