Buffalo Bills vs Jets: Highlights, Stats and Reactions

The Bills lost their second straight game to start the season on Thursday Night Football’s Buffalo Bills vs Jets matchup. Here are some highlights, stats and reactions from the loss.

Much like the Buffalo Bills‘ season opener vs. the Baltimore Ravens, there are good things to take away from this game, as well as some bad things. When the Bills started to fall apart, they showed that they could get back into the game at ease.

Ultimately, their fight wasn’t enough and it led to a 37-31 loss to the New York Jets.

Let’s start off with a quick tribute to Bruce Smith, who had his No. 78 retired by the Buffalo Bills during halftime of the game.

He was one of the greatest Bills’ players in franchise history and although I don’t have any memories of watching him play, I know the good he has brought this city.

Now, let’s get to some highlights from the game.

There were a lot of highlights for this week’s Thursday Night Football meeting between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.

With 8 total touchdowns between both teams — one of those coming on defense by the Buffalo Bills — this game was definitely worth staying up for.

The Jets’ offense was nearly perfect, but gave up a few exciting plays to the Bills’ defense. On the other hand, the Bills’ offense had a few very quick, but successful drives that ended in long touchdowns. However, they also struggled on offense against a very stingy Jets’ defense.

The first highlight came right before the game started during an opening featuring Jim Kelly and Joe Namath.

Next, one of Tyrod Taylor‘s best throws this season came on a 84-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin, who straight up ran right by Jets’ cornerback Darrelle Revis with pure speed. Taylor does a perfect job of placing the ball right where it needs to be and it gives the Bills their first six points of the game.

Mike Gillislee also caught his first touchdown pass of the season on a crazy 17-yard reception from Tyrod Taylor. It was Taylor’s third touchdown of the game and came late in the final quarter.

I also think it’s important to note how many terrible mistakes the Jets made in their first drive of the game, although it ended in a field goal. Here’s a recap:

https://twitter.com/YotesHereToStay/status/776589067450318848

A name who was familiar to the fans throughout training camp, Greg Salas found the endzone on another long pass from Tyrod Taylor:

Here are the full highlights from the game:

Now, let’s take a look at some stats from the game.

Here’s a look at some of the more important stats that came out of this game — on both sides.

First, let’s start with the home team — Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo Bills

Passing

• Tyrod Taylor: 18/30, 297 yards, 3 TD, INT, no sacks

Rushing

• Lesean McCoy: 15 carries, 59 yards, 3.9 average, longest of 24 yards
• Tyrod Taylor: 2 carries, 25 yards, longest of 15 yards

Receiving

• Marquise Goodwin: 2 receptions, 112 yards, TD, 5 targets
• Greg Salas: 4 receptions, 89 yards, TD, 5 targets
• LeSean McCoy: 4 receptions, 31 yards
• Mike Gillislee: 1 reception, 18 yards, TD

Defense

• Preston Brown: 16 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• Zach Brown: 14 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• Ronald Darby: 6 total tackles, 3 passes defended
• Lorenzo Alexander: 6 total tackles, 1 sack
• Nickell Robey-Coleman: 5 total tackles, 1 fumble recovery, TD

Let’s move on to the more important stats on the Jets’ side.

New York Jets

Passing

• Ryan Fitzpatrick: 24/34, 374 yards, TD, no interceptions, one sack

Rushing

• Matt Forte: 30 carries, 100 yards, 3 TD
• Ryan Fitzpatrick: 5 carries, 20 yards

Receiving

• Eric Decker: 6 receptions, 126 yards, TD, 8 targets
• Brandon Marshall: 6 receptions, 101 yards, 9 targets
• Quincy Enunwa: 6 receptions, 92 yards

Defense

• David Harris: 5 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• Darron Lee: 5 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• Muhammad Wilkerson: 3 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit
• Marcus Williams: 4 total tackles, 2 passes defended, INT

Next, let’s take a look at some reactions from players, coaches, fans, etc. from Thursday night’s game.

There was plenty to be said after the 31-37 loss the Buffalo Bills endured at home vs. the New York Jets.

With the Buffalo Bills off to an 0-2 start, everyone knows that the fans are going to want to see some changes to the team. That made the post-game press conference a bit more difficult on Thursday, especially knowing it was on national television.

Here’s what some people around the league had to say about the game.

Tyrod Taylor and his offense did a great job of putting points on the board, but it didn’t amount to a W Thursday night. After the game, he stated:

Ryan Fitzpatrick had a great night vs. the Bills’ defense, reaching 100 yards with two receivers and another one at 92 yards. One of those 100-yard receivers was Brandon Marshall and Rex Ryan wasn’t quiet about his performance:

Michael Smith was quick to point out Revis’ blown coverage on Marquise Goodwin’s 84-yard touchdown grab:

Important to note some troubles at the wide receiver position for the Bills, with two players who could possibly be injured.

The Buffalo Bills will host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 25th at 1 pm. They will certainly be searching for their first win on the season against a tough opponent.