Bills beat Colts 27-14: Initial reaction to impressive opening day win

Initial thoughts on the Buffalo Bills impressive 27-14 victory over the Indianapolis Colts

In many respects, the day was set up perfectly for the Buffalo Bills, with a home opener, a rabid crowd and Jim Kelly leading the pregame charge. Even the weather was miserable, with the hope that it would affect Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts’ offense.

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However, not even the most hardcore fan inside Ralph Wilson Stadium could have known what was going to happen. Seriously, who predicted the Bills would end up winning 27-14?

Without doubt, the biggest surprise was just how effective Tyrod Taylor was, looking like a seasoned pro, not someone making his first NFL start as a quarterback. By the end of the first quarter, he had already completed seven of eight passes for 112 yards, including a sensational, precision 51-yard touchdown throw to Percy Harvin.

In truth, Taylor was helped by the Colts decision to stack the line, in the hopes of stopping LeSean McCoy and the ground attack. It worked to a certain extent – McCoy finished the game with just 41 yards on 17 carries – but it didn’t matter in the end.

Aside from the quarterback position, the Bills biggest concern entering the game, was how their secondary would hold up. The Colts had the number one passing game last season, and Buffalo were without Leodis McKelvin.

Luck figured to go after Ronald Darby, but an early interception by the rookie cornerback helped both his and the teams’ confidence. With Darby holding up well in man coverage, it allowed Rex Ryan to unleash their full blitz package.

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) jumps to avoid a tackle during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

(Corbin Bryant deserves a mention for doing a great job in replacing the suspended Marcell Dareus. He looked sharp, especially in the first half when he repeatedly blew through the Colts offensive line.)

As the game went on, memories of the 2014 home win over the Green Bay Packers came to mind. Certainly, at times Luck looked just as confused as Aaron Rodgers did last year.

However, no one denies the talent of the 2012 first overall draft pick. As such, some type of comeback was to be expected in the second half, but not before the Bills had increased their lead to 24-0.

Even when the Colts did finally score their first touchdown, it came inside the final minute of the third quarter, and required a fourth down conversion. Ultimately, even though the Colts continued to battle, they gave themselves too much to do in the second half.

By the end, Luck finished with 26 completions in 49 attempts, for 243 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Just as amazing, Taylor completed 14 passes in 19 attempts, throwing for 195 yards, one touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Of course, one game is too early to be getting carried away, but the signs were definitely encouraging. Remember that historically, teams who win their first game have a 50 percent better chance of making the playoffs, compared to those who lose.

About the only negative to take out of the contest was the running game, even accounting for the Colts decision to stuff the line. The offensive line didn’t look particularly effective with their run blocking.

However, that is a minor gripe under the circumstances, especially when you consider the Bills finished with 147 yards on the ground. And while this was in part due to Taylor scrambling for 41 yards, it’s still early – the line will gel in time.

For now, it’s a time to bask in the glow of an opening-day victory. Did I hear someone saying “bring on the Patriots”?

How do you think the Bills performed? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Next: Bills vs Colts: Full gameday coverage

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