Jets 48, Bills 28; Disaster in Week 1 for Buffalo

Sept 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Bills 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Where to even start with this one?

The much-hyped 2012 Bills season opened with a decisive thud Sunday as the Jets rolled to 21-0 and 41-7 leads en route to an easy 48-28 win over Buffalo. The Bills scored a few late touchdowns to make this seem much closer than it was.

Buffalo’s ballyhooed new defensive was a complete non-factor in this contest, as Jets QB Mark Sanchez had all day to throw all game. He took advantage, throwing for 266 yards and three TDs.

Besides the totally ineffective defense, the other big story from this game has to be Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was DREADFUL, throwing three awful interceptions – including a baffling pick-six to open the second half that ended any hope of  a comeback.

Let’s look at the (very few) positives here:

– C.J. Spiller was actually quite good, running for 169 yards and a score on just 14 carries. He’s the real deal, folks. He did have a lost fumble just before halftime, though.

–  The offensive line was also pretty decent, opening up holes for Spiller and not allowing a sack.

– The run defense was not horrendous.

– Tim Tebow was a non-factor for the Jets.

– Errr…John Potter’s kickoffs were really good?

And that’s really it for positives. Here’s the longer list of negatives.

– Fitz. Dear lord, Fitz. Just an awful performance. None of the three INTs were even remotely acceptable. The third was especially grievous. He’s lucky the backups are even worse options.

– Fitz had at least SOME decent moments…which is more than you can say for the defense. This was an absolute no-show by the whole unit, especially against the pass. Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, signed for big money this offseason, never brought ANY pressure. And the secondary was a complete horror show. Top draft pick Stephon Gilmore was a disaster. Leodis McKelvin still can’t cover anyone. Even the usually solid pair of safeties was not good today. What a mess. The Jets looked like the Packers or Patriots throwing the ball today. The Jets!

– Buffalo only punted twice…and gave up a touchdown on one of them.

– Penalties. The Bills had only six, but most were stupid pre-snap penalties. Ugh.

– Injuries. Fred Jackson and David Nelson went down with knee injuries. Head coach Chan Gailey said “it doesn’t look good for David.” Yikes.

– I really can’t overstate how bad the defense was. Unbelievable.

– You really have to wonder about Buffalo’s coaching staff right now. This team looked very flat and unprepared.

The only good news is that there is still 15 games left. It can only get better from here.

Next week’s home opener against Kansas City (another blowout loser today), is now incredibly important if Buffalo has any hope of contending in 2012. If it is this ugly again, feel free to sound any and all panic alarms.