What a way to close out the last opening day game ever at the current Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. From the agony of defeat to the jaws of victory, this game will go down as another classic comeback game in this building.
From Josh Allen's heroics in the fourth quarter to a new kicker's game-winning field goal after having just been signed to Buffalo's practice squad, the Bills came out with another statement win against a wagon in the Baltimore Ravens. However, the Bills still have a major problem that they need to correct sooner than later.
One vital problem the Bills must address going forward is the defense
While the Bills made it a priority to improve their defense this season, they had a very shaky Week 1. The defense did show a little promise at the end of the game, but they still have many things to address moving forward.
Run defense
Coming into Week 1, all the talk was about how improved the Bills were going to be on the interior of the defensive line and be a top NFL run defense. That was before they took the field and realized that against the Ravens, it was easier said than done.
For most of the night, Ravens' running back Derrick Henry buried the Bills' up front with his speed and tough-to-tackle running style. King Henry ran for 169 yards on 18 carries and two scores.
The Bills couldn't seem to stop him all night and were lucky to force the strong runner to make a costly fumble late in the fourth quarter, resulting in Buffalo's ball.
And let's not forget about Lamar Jackson. He's a true dual-threat quarterback who can both throw the ball and run with his legs. Jackson ran for 70 yards on six attempts with one touchdown while doing as much damage on the ground as Henry.
Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones will need to do better jobs of wrapping up low on the Jets' running back in Breece Hall and quarterback Justin Fields if they want to win in Week 2.
Pass defense
The Bills' struggles to stop the run game were evident. However, the pass defense, other than getting pressure on Jackson in the first quarter, didn't fare much better either. Jackson passed for 209 yards, two touchdowns, and zero picks.
Much like how the Bills need to improve the run defense, the Bills can't be letting Jackson carve them up through the air while also taking off with his legs. The Bills and McDermott will be looking at their film to wonder how this game even came down to a last-second field goal.
Look for players like Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau to step up their play against Fields and the Jets' passing attack next week.
Secondary
With Derrick Henry being one of the biggest and fastest running backs in the league, he gaveCole Bishop a run for his money. When Bishop tried to bring down Henry, he was thrust to the turf with a massive stiff arm. He also heavily struggled in pass coverage.
Christian Benford also struggled when the team needed him the most. In the third quarter, with the Bills behind by eight points, the Ravens, on three plays, drove the ball 68 yards and beat Benford with a touchdown by DeAndre Hopkins.
Both these players will need to step it up next week, as with all the injuries around them, the brass may be looking elsewhere for help.
Missed tackles
The big point of emphasis that led to a poor overall showing by the defense was the many missed tackles the Bills could have had on open players in the middle of the field.
If the Bills want to have a better chance of beating the Ravens, possibly in the playoffs, and the Jets in Week 2, their defenders are going to have to wrap up better and tackle low, not high.