Bills regain ground with valuable win
It wasn’t pretty. There wasn’t as much luster in this win as the 31-6 score might indicate. Quarterback Josh Allen threw two interceptions, including the first red zone interception of his career, and corner Tre’Davious White left the game with a knee injury.
But despite all that, it was enough of a thrashing victory over the New Orleans Saints to raise the Buffalo Bills’ record to 7-4. In such a tight AFC with two games still to play against the New England Patriots, the Bills need all the wins they can get and this one was dominant in all three phases against a banged up Saints team.
Offensively, the Bills had balanced success through the air and on the ground, something that had been missing this season. The team finished with nine first downs on the ground and 11 passing attempts. Buffalo controlled the game by dominating time of possession and avoiding penalties, finishing with just four, one more than their fewest in a game this season.
After throwing his two interceptions in the second quarter, Allen led Buffalo to back-to-back touchdown series to start the second half, establishing a four-score lead, including the second touchdown of the night for Dawson Knox, who set the record for most touchdown receptions (seven) for a Bills tight end in a season with that second score.
The biggest question mark for the future is the health of White, one of the best players on a team that still has its sights set on going far in the playoffs. The defense had success in New Orleans, limiting the Saints to 190 yards on offense, but if they miss a significant chunk of time, one of the league’s best defenses would take a major hit.
Buffalo will hope for a speedy recovery from White, while also having 11 days to prepare for their “Monday Night Football” game against the Patriots.
Allen threw two interceptions of concern, but beyond that, he had a great game, finishing with a personal best in pass completion percentage (82.1). He completed 23 of 28 completions for 260 yards and had four touchdown passes and the two interceptions. He also rushed for 43 yards on eight carries.
Allen’s recent interceptions are a problem that needs to be corrected. They didn’t hurt against the Saints, but a troubling trend has emerged.
Allen has thrown an interception in four consecutive games for the first time in his career. The good news is that he can still play at a high level, even when he makes mistakes, but limiting the miscues must be a priority.
How about running back Matt Breida? The Bills have been unable to find consistency on the ground, but with Zack Moss inactive, Breida and Devin Singletary had success. Breida finished with nine carries for 26 yards and two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown.
The running back did not have a spectacular performance, but Buffalo simply needed to show that he can run the ball and will integrate him into the offense in the future. Consider this Thursday a step in the right direction.
