Breathe, Bills fans, breathe. Not going to lie, after Colton Schmidt dropped the punt and gave the Jets the ball at the 13-yard line, I thought the game was over. The Jets were going to score a touchdown, take the lead and Buffalo was not going to score.
But credit to this defense. They may have slipped in the second half, but they made sure they were elite when they had to be. The Bills stopped the Jets offense on, not one, but two fourth downs. One was a great play by maybe the most underrated player on that defense outside of Buffalo in Ronald Darby, and the other on a miscommunication between Ryan Fitzpatrick and Eric Decker.
In hindsight, if the Jets kick field goals on both plays, the Jets take the game 23-22, but that’s neither here nor there.
Speaking of this defense, Bacarri Rambo earned Player of the Week and there’s only been one game played. He forced three turnovers the game, including the clinching interception. He also had the game-changing fumble forced that Duke Williams picked up for a touchdown in the second quarter.
The Bills would not look back after that, stringing together 22 unanswered points with that score being apart of the streak. They then held on for dear life as Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker scored touchdowns.
On the offensive end, the Bills improved to 4-1 when Tyrod Taylor, LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins are all active and playing. While Watkins did not have the numbers tonight, he had the crucial catch that sealed the game and was beating Revis consistently throughout the night.
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McCoy ran like a man-possessed at times, turning five-yard losses into five-yard gains. He carried the ball 19 times for 112 yards, while catching five passes for 47 yards. His counterpart in the backfield, Karlos Williams, just did was Karlos Williams does: score touchdowns.
The Florida State graduate’s lone catch was a 26-yard touchdown from Taylor on the first drive of the second half that seemed to deflate the Jets at the time, giving Buffalo a 19-3 lead at that point.
Just a quick reminder: Williams was picked with a fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Another thing for Bills fans. Remember when everybody was up in arms about Fred Jackson being released to free agency? Western New York was up in arms and criticized Doug Whaley to no end. I’m not going to cover myself up: I criticized it too.
But man, Williams is turning into a really good back. This thunder and lightning combo in the backfield, along with the playmaking ability of Watkins and Taylor, this team is dangerous.
Next up: a date with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots 11 days from now in Foxboro. Rex was ecstatic after this win. Imagine how excited he’d be ending the Pats’ unbeaten streak if they beat the Giants this week.
Nevertheless, the Bills got one for their betrayed coach and now sit in the first Wild Card spot in the AFC playoff chase.
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