The Buffalo Bills exit another exhilarating win, this time on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. In a season seemingly loaded with Josh Allen masterclass performances, record-breaking showcases might seem pedestrian.
Let's not forget just what we're witnessing during the Josh Allen era, and no one is doing it the same. A bright primetime victory ends with a weekend of recovery in store. What lessons are we learning before, perhaps, a more relaxing Sunday than fans are used to?
4 things Bills fans learned from Week 2 primetime matchup
Deone Walker might be All-Pro
We can say the cart is put before the horse, but this was a conclusion we could come to last week. After his incredible showing against the Texans, Deone Walker took a backseat to Greg Rousseau's game-winning play. No longer.
There has been no single player more impactful on this defensive line than the second-year stud. Walker may have only recorded one tackle on the stat sheet against the Detroit Lions, but his three tipped balls and seven pressures had game-changing impact. The hype train is not only on the tracks, it's loaded with good reasons to be running.
Even with the surprise late scratch of Ed Oliver, Deone Walker was unstoppable. His play has ripple effects across the whole defense; Characteristic of an elite, First-Team All-Pro defensive tackle.
Joe Brady meant what he said about Keon Coleman
Yes, it's definitely too soon to start crediting Keon Coleman, but the third-year receiver made some major plays on Thursday. After last season, where Keon was barely able to get onto the field, many though his time was done. Instead, Joe Brady seems intent on making his promise to Keon Coleman true. That may be needed if D.J. Moore misses any time.
He was a promising footnote in Week 1, playing the hook on a hook-and-ladder. For Week 2, he caught all six of his targets for 63 yards and several key first-down conversions. The future might not be as dim as it seemed.
James Cook is inevitable
In an offense featuring some truly remarkable players, it's stunningly often that people forget James Cook. The back had a quieter Week 1, but exploded on Thursday Night Football for 135 yards and a touchdown. The 2025 rushing leader averaged 6.4 yards per carry, and serves as a reminder that even with Josh Allen scoring two more rushing touchdowns, the Bills run game is anything but one-dimensional.
Buffalo's defense understands pace
It's a less tangible metric, but the Bills' defense has shown it's ability to match what the team does on offense. Jim Leonhard's 3-4 experiment is still wholly unproven, but it is not untested. Though allowing 31 PPG on defense is far from ideal, they have played clutch football, and operated well situationally.
In games where the Buffalo Bills are scoring often, the defense will make opponents work for the volley.
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