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(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 31-10 Thursday night in the season opener.
As a source from the west coast who was in attendence put it best, "even at their worst, it was never really in doubt, which is still really weird to get used to!" For Bills fans, the build up for this game was exciting and humbling all at the same time. For years, Buffalonian's stood by their favorite phrase "this is going to be THE year", but this year truly does feel different. After watching the heartbreak that was last season's divisional round loss to the Chiefs, the national media has hyped up the Bills more than ever, and for good reason after their performance last night.
The Bills got off to a hot start moving down the field 75 yards and capped the drive off with a Gabe Davis 26 yard strike to put the Bills up 7-0. Josh Allen showed why he is often considered as a top tier MVP candidate as he scrambled to his right and hit Davis in stride for the score. Allen was 26/31 with 297 yards, 3
touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Allen also rushed 10 times for 56 yards and a score when he jumped over a defender and scored on a 4 yard scamper. The best play of the night was when Allen, who has a habit of running through defenders, stiff-armed DB Nick Scott into the ground to get a first down. After the game Devin Singletary stated that Allen was laughing while stiff-arming the Rams defender.
The Bills added 3 points with 8:51 left in the 2nd quarter on a 41 yard field goal by Tyler Bass. Newly acquired Punter Sam Martin was in on the hold. Martin did not punt during this contest. Every Bills drive ended in points or a turnover.
The Rams' lone Touchdown was scored with 3:05 left on the clock in the 2nd quarter on a beautiful 4 yard pass from Matt Stafford to standout receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp was one of the only bright spots for the Rams, sporting a line of 13 receptions, for 128 yards and the touchdown.
Stefon Diggs of the Bills could not be covered. Corner, Jalen Ramsey, who shadowed Diggs for most of the game, was targeted 7 times, giving up 6 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. Ramsey is well known for criticizing the Bills drafting Josh Allen, calling him "trash" when the Bills selected him. Allen had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when targeting Ramsey. Diggs ended the game with 8 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.
The Bills defense looked elite coming off of a year where they were ranked as a top-3 squad. Von Miller and the revamped defensive line had an excellent game with Miller chipping in for 2 of the 7 sacks they had.
With Tre white being on the PUP list to start the season and out for at least 4 games, the Bills relied heavily on young cornerbacks to stop the Rams high powered offense. Dane Jackson and 6th round rookie, Christian Benford, both shined. First round pick Kaiir Elam chipped in as well playing 30 of the teams 66 defensive snaps.
The Bills only weak spot was holding onto the ball. They turned the ball over 4 times, with 2 interceptions (one not being Allen's fault) and 2 fumbles.
This Buffalo Bills team was firing on all cylinders to start the 22'/23' campaign. Cleaning up the turnovers will be the focus as they head into their Week 2 matchup on Monday night in primetime against the Tennessee Titans.
Bills Mafia Minute Episode 1, as part of House Enterprise’s "The Football Fan Diaries"
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