As the Buffalo Bills escaped Week 8 with an unexpected blowout win over the Baltimore Ravens, the lessons get harder to determine. What can we gleam from a day where the Ravens were reduced to an injured third-string QB before halftime? Surely the things fans need to learn are clouded by circumstance.
Regardless, the Bills must be introspective to grow. The following is that introspection.
Takeaways from Bills' win over Ravens (and what they mean moving forward)
Tyler Bass is back
In an ever-shifting NFL, one thing is for certain; Tyler Bass is back in form.
The Bills' kicker of over half a decade has been subject to a massive amount of oft-deserved criticism. From streaky performances, to constant injuries, to easy misses, Tyler Bass has had his down moments. He cost the team a playoff game less than two years ago- That was considered the last thing needed for the Bills to move on from Bass.
After missing the entirety of the 2025 NFL season on injured reserve, Bass is back and looking better than ever. His first field goal of the day, a 56-yard doink through the uprights, set the tone for Week 8.
Despite it all, Bass started 2026 by going 16-for-16 on field goals. He set a new Bills franchise record for consecutive makes, and transformed once again into the asset we knew back in 2022.
The Bills have a safety solution
Take it with a grain of salt; The Ravens did lose Lamar Jackson to a thumb injury on his first snap of the Ravens' first offensive drive. Regardless, the Bills' safety play was excellent on Sunday.
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson now being released after being suspended for spitting at a Raiders player in Week 6, practice squad safety Geno Stone got a look. He showed up and showed out.
Damar Hamlin got plenty of reps as well, playing 100% of the snaps on defense. Lastly, DB Te'Cory Couch play lights-out football. His 36 snaps were a highlight, and showcased the talent available on this roster.
CJGJ is gone, but even if the Bills don't make a trade at safety before the deadline, they have players on the roster capable of filling the role.
DJ Moore truly elevates the Bills passing game
It's been said many times, but the addition of a #1 WR to an offense opens things up. The difference DJ Moore makes for Josh Allen in the passing game is immense.
The WR1 created space for other playmakers just as often as he made plays himself. When Moore is up, so is everyone around him.
The decision to sit him for his health ahead of the bye week seems to have paid off. Having that threat available for Josh Allen in the playoffs is something that can only improve the Bills' Super Bowl chances.
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