Instant analysis, recap of Bills rebound win vs. Raiders in Week 2

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 38-10 in Week 2 action. The Bills looked more like the Buffalo team that many expected leading into the season. The offense moved the ball with ease while the defense smothered the Raiders skill positions. Here is The Bills Wire’s recap and analysis of the game action:

Game recap

The afternoon did not start smoothly for the Bills. Las Vegas started the game with a quick opening drive. The Raiders went 75 yards in five plays. Jimmy Garoppolo found Devante Adams for a 16-yard touchdown reception to give the Raiders the early lead.

The Bills offense responded with a three-and-out on their first drive.

Buffalo’s defense helped sway the momentum of the game on the next drive. Greg Rousseau deflected Garappolo’s pass, and Terrel Bernard came away with his first NFL interception. From this moment, the game was completely in Buffalo’s hands.

Buffalo’s offense put together three sustained drives that culminated in touchdowns before halftime. Latavious Murray, Dawson Knox, and Khalil Shakir all found the end zone before the midpoint of the game.

The Bills put to rest any worries of previous third quater falters in this game.  Buffalo reeled off a massive 15-play, 75-yard drive to start the second half. Josh Allen scrambled to his right and picked out Gabe Davis amongst a crowd of defenders to give the Bills at 28-10 lead.

Buffalo’s defense responded with another interception. Matt Milano swiped a pass from Josh Jacobs, denying any sort of response by the Raiders.

Buffalo dominated the time of possession battle in the third quarter. The Bills had the ball for nearly 13 minutes in the quarter.

The Bills added another touchdown in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. Damien Harris plunged up the middle for a one-yard dive to finish off an 11-play, 95-yard drive.

While Buffalo’s offense piled up the points, the Bills defense suffocated the Raiders offensive attack. Buffalo’s defense finished the game on a high note. Dane Jackson forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter to preserve the second-half shutout of the Raiders.

The keys to the game

• Josh Allen was efficient and decisive throughout the afternoon. Allen went 31-of-37 for 274 yards and three touchdown passes.

• The defense smothered the Raiders attack. Josh Jacobs was an afterthought on the ground, rushing for -2 yards on nine carries. The Bills defense allowed only 55 yards on the ground.

• Buffalo’s offense spread the wealth. Five different players recorded touchdowns (Harris, Murray, Knox, Shakir, Davis).

• The Bills defense forced three turnovers. Bernard and Milano recorded interceptions, while Jackson forced a fumble.

• Buffalo’s offense line dominated in the trenches. The unit did not surrender a sack. They led the way to help James Cook earn his first 100-yard rushing game in the NFL.

Game balls

• James Cook–17 carries, 123 yards; four receptions, 36 yards

• Josh Allen–31-of-37 for 274 yards and three touchdowns

• Terrel Bernard- first NFL interception

• Matt Milano–four tackles, one incredible interception, and one pass defensed

• Gabe Davis–six catches for 92 yards and one touchdown reception

Complete dominance

Buffalo gave the Raiders little room to breathe throughout the game. After Las Vegas scored on their opening drive, they could do little to move the ball on offense or stop the Bills attack.

Buffalo was buoyed by James Cook’s performance. The second-year pro put together his first 100-yard rushing game as a pro. He diced his way through Las Vegas’ defense with ease.

In addition, the supporting players were solid in Buffalo’s as well. Latavious Murray and Damien Harris combined to carry the ball 13 times for 55 yards and two touchdowns (one each).

Allen picked apart the Raiders defense with ease. Additionally, Allen did not force the ball in dangerous areas. Rather, Allen was decisive with passes and put pressure on the Las Vegas secondary.

Buffalo’s offensive line did a better job at protecting Allen. In addition, the quicker passing attack aided the line as well, as they did not have to wonder where Allen was wandering on extended plays. The line was tremendous in the run game as well. Buffalo’s line created massive holes for the rushing attack.

The Bills defense was quite impressive as well. They limited Josh Jacobs to negative yards on the afternoon. Aside from one long rush, Buffalo’s rush defense was nearly perfect.

The defensive unit forced three turnovers. The group held the Raiders to under 200 passing yards. Outside of a few passes to Devante Adams, the Bills were in complete control against the Las Vegas passing attack.

What's next?

The Bills take on the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field next Sunday at 1 p.m.

Story originally appeared on Bills Wire