Writer: Alex James
Editor: Brandon Caputo
Photo Credit: jetswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills coasted to a double-digit victory on Sunday over the New York Jets improving there record to 6-3 on the season. The bounce back victory was essential for morale after the Jaguars loss and may be the beginning of team momentum improving for the remaining games of the season. The highlights of the game are seen on the stats sheet; Allen threw for 350 yards with 2 touchdowns, Diggs had 162 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, Gabe Davis had 105 receiving yards, and the Bills run game combined for 139 rushing yards.
On defence, the Bills earned 5 turnovers, AJ Klein (filling in for Edmunds) had 7 total tackles, all while holding the Jets to 23% success rate on 3rd-downs. During the game, fans were provided glimpses of last years success between Allen and his receivers with 8 different Bills players having a reception on the day.
While the stats look great, this success was against an underwhelming Jets side and the next game will be much more valuable in analyzing whether or not the Bills are the real deal.
Statistics provided by Statmuse.com
The Bills host the (5-5) Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium this upcoming Sunday in what will be a real test for the team. The Colts are coming off a victory against the Jaguars and are currently on a 2-game win streak heading into Buffalo. The previous meeting between the two sides was during last year's AFC wild card where the Bills overcame the Colts by 3 points in a close fought game. This loss will likely add some fuel for the Colts players during the rematch, who will be coming to Buffalo in hopes of spoiling a home victory for the Bills. Kickoff is at 1pm.
The first key matchup of this game will be the success of the Bills 3rd ranked rushing defence vs. the Colts 6th ranked rushing offence. Jonathon Taylor is averaging almost 6-yards per carry, and is 63 yards away from breaking 1000 on the season, something he’ll expect to do on Sunday. It will be tough though as the Bills are allowing only 83 rushing yards per game and have been strong against the run all season. For the Bills to be successful on Sunday, the defence will likely have to keep Taylor under 100 all-purpose yards on the day. Nonetheless, it’ll be a battle in the trenches all game long and something to look forward too.
Statistics provided by Statmuse.com
The second key for the Bills success is whether their 6th ranked passing offence will outperform a weaker, 22nd ranked Colts passing defence. The Bills looked confident in the air against the Jets and will want to continue this momentum against another weaker defensive opposition. What the Bills did well against the Jets was implementing a strong run attack which kept the defence guessing the entire game. In doing so, the Jets defence opened up and gave away big passing plays that the Bills utilized successfully. The Bills will likely implement a similar game plan against the Colts and try to exploit another weak secondary this weekend.
As of Thursday the Bills injury report lists Spencer Brown as OUT being placed on the reserve/covid list. Beasley is listed as QUESTIONABLE and a limited participant in practice with a rib injury.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus
Sunday is supposed to be overcast with a chance of showers and temperatures in the mid-40s. This will suit the Bills having an opposition who is use to playing in a dome visit during the uncomfortable weather season being experienced in Western New York. This game will likely be low-scoring and closer then most of the Bills previous outings this season when they’ve come out on top. I expect the Bills to build off the momentum of the Jets game and find success against the Colts, with the game coming down to the final quarter, even possibly the final drive.
Prediction
Bills - 27
Colts - 21
Circle the Wagons,
Alex James
Resources: https://www.stadiumforecast.com/football/nfl/bills/weather.php/forecast.html,
https://www.footballdb.com/games/preview, https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401326469, https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/injuries/_/name/buf