Buffalo Bills Week 2 Recap & Week 3 Thoughts - 2021 NFL Season
Writer: Alex James
@AlexxJamess91
Editor: Brandon Caputo
@Caputz13_AGM
Photo Credit: headtopics.com via TSN.ca
Blowout in Miami & Week 3 Preview
The Bills are back! The beginning of this week was far more joyful and happy after watching the Bills defeat the Dolphins 35-0 in Miami on Sunday afternoon. For most fans, a sigh of relief was felt, however some were still vocal on social media with there displeasure towards Allen and some of the play-calling. It’s unfortunate how quickly some Buffalonian’s go from loving and idolizing a player, to now questioning everything about him based off two performances.
Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sure, Allen hasn’t had his best games in a Bills jersey to start the season but I guarantee he is aware of his performances and will only improve from here on out. Let’s be realistic, we just smacked our division rivals and in doing so embarrassed them on their home turf. Sure we could’ve played better and scored more points, but a win is a win. There is NO reason to panic Bills Mafia! Stay positive & trust the process.
Game Recap
The three keys to success I stressed heading into week 2 were; red-zone success, 4th down conversions, and limiting penalties (specifically on the O-Line). The Bills were successful in every trip entering the red-zone going 4-4, while attempting and successfully completing only one 4th down attempt. The Bills had 6 penalties for 53 yards, with 4 taking place on the O-Line, (2 holdings and 2 false-starts).
Credit: ESPN.com
All of these areas were an improvement from Week 1, with a few other notable surprises. First, the Bills rushed for 143 yards and 3 of 4 touchdowns were scored on the ground (2 for Moss, 1 for Singletary), showing a much more balanced offence. Next, Knox caught a great pass for a TD, adding another threat in the red-zone.
The offensive line provided Allen a little more time in the pocket than we seen in Week 1 and only allowed one sack throughout the game for a loss of 8 yards. The defensive line looked incredible, keeping constant pressure on both Miami quarterbacks. Greg Rousseau, in his second ever game, had 5 tackles and 2 sacks in the D-line rotation having a standout performance.
Week 3 Preview
Credit: ESPN.com
3 keys to success for the week 3 matchup against the Washington Football Team are; ball security, offensive line protection against the pass rush, and the defense putting constant pressure on Taylor Heinicke.
Allen threw one interception and Moss fumbled once in the game against the Dolphins and luckily the Bills defense stepped up and didn’t allow that these plays to influence the game. Protecting the ball and limiting turnovers (especially when running the ball) will allow for dual threat offence to flourish and keep opposing defenses guessing going forward.
Photo Credit: billswire.usatoday.com
Next, Washington has one of the best defensive fronts across the NFL led by Chase Young & Jonathon Allen. The WFT has accumulated 6 sacks in the first two games, while providing constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks (and some big hits). The Bills O-Line will need to protect Allen at all costs, providing the necessary time to complete throws, all while limiting any big hits. We seen some improvement against the Dolphins,
but a lot of work still needs to be done.
Below is an example of what type of pressure the Bills defense can bring when in pursuit of the Quarterback.
Last week they forced Miami's Tua Tagovailoa out early in the game, after he sustained a rib injury on a perfectly executed pass rush tackle by A.J Epenesa & co.
Credit: Youtube.com via National Football League
Lastly, getting pressure on Heinicke early and often can be the make or break for the Bills success on Sunday. The Washington quarterback is only making his 3rd career start and after an impressive win against the Giants on Thursday night football will be full of confidence.
With a 10-day break, the Bills should expect the WFT to come out healthy and ready to roll. The team’s confidence will be oozing after a big win on national television and will start off strong.
However, the Bills are going to knock them back a few pegs and provide a reality check. I predict the rushing game to be limited, and Allen to take over throwing over 350 yards, a few TD’s and lead Buffalo to their first home victory of the season.
Prediction
Bills 28 - Washington 7
Circle the Wagons,
Alex James