RYAN DUNNING
Special to the Leader
Oh my . . . did Josh Allen just?
Did the Bills defense just?
But what happened to the Vikings? Weren’t they supposed to be contenders?
Weren’t the Bills supposed to be the worst team in a decade?
The defense put on a clinic against the Vikings offense, which is highlighted by players like Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.
They held the Vikings to an embarassing 14 yards rushing. They also forced three turnovers, leading the way for the offense to put up a season high in points.
Josh Allen played like the star they drafted him for. Throwing 15/22, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also gave himself a signature play, with his hurdle of Vikings’ linebacker Anthony Barr.
Allen also found his way into the end zone on the ground for two touchdowns.
The Bills rushed for a total of 128 yards, a huge step forward without former pro-bowler LeSean McCoy.
Man, was it electric to watch. For the first time all season, Bills fans had something to cheer for.
Sitting in Cranston and hearing fans cheering during after the offense scored, or the defense forced a turnover.
With a final score of 27-6 on the road, the Bills finally looked like they had some momentum to build on.
Unfortunately, this fire didn’t last long. This week against the Packers, Allen went 16/33 for 151 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
He also lost the ball for a fumble. Any of the confidence Allen had built up the previous week seemed to disappear.
The offensive line was an embarrassment. After a great week against the Vikings, they allowed Allen to be sacked a ridiculous seven times, for over 60 yards lost.
The Bills’ rushing game was in the worst shape it’s been all year. Not a single player broke 25 yards on the ground. They combined for 58 yards, McCoy leading with 24 yards.
The defense was exceedingly average. Despite ending Aaron Rodgers’ streak without an interception, and forcing a fumble, they still allowed 22 points to the Packers.
Rodgers was his usual legendary self, sliding
and dodging Bills defenders in the pocket, throwing for 282 yards, and a touchdown and a pick.
The other Aaron, Aaron Jones, supplemented Rodgers’ run and gun style with 65 yards on only 11 attempts.
A final score of 0-22 leaves a lot of questions for the Bills moving forward.
How can the Bills fix their rushing problems?
Can they protect Allen moving forward?
This coming week, they have yet another powerful opponent.
The Tennessee Titans will come to Buffalo for next Sunday’s game tied for the lead in the AFC South at 3-1.
This could be a make or break game for this team. Starting the season 1-4 would be a horrible way to follow up their first playoff appearance in 17 years.