Instant analysis, recap of Bills’ return to win column vs. Jets
The Buffalo Bills returned to their winning ways with a decisive 32-6 victory over the New York Jets in Week 11 action. The Bills dominated in all facets of the game to keep close distance of a playoff spot.
The Bills took advantage of the Jets from the opening kickoff. Reggie Gilliam forced a fumble from New York returner Xavier Gipson, giving Buffalo’s offense the ball deep in Jets territory. The Bills failed to earn a first down on their initial offensive drive, but Buffalo at least walked away with a 3-0 lead following a 48-yard Tyler Bass field goal.
The New York Jets could not muster much of anything that resembled an offensive attack for their next four drives. Buffalo’s defense kept Zach Wilson under wraps. With little going on for New York in the passing game, the Jets became predictable and the Bills defense shut down everything New York attempted. The Jets only totaled 20 total yards on these drives.
The Jets, for their part, kept their team in the game as long as they could. Buffalo would only add two more field goals to the scoreboard during this portion of the game.
Buffalo forced another New York turnover with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. Rasul Douglas jumped a Garrett Wilson route for his first interception as a Bill.
Buffalo responded with the first touchdown of the game. Josh Allen found James Cook open out of the backfield for a five-yard touchdown pass.
The Jets offense stalled out on the subsequent drive. Coming out of the two-minute warning, New York called a successful fake punt play. The Jets drove down the field methodically, finishing with a nine-yard pass from Zach Wilson to Breece Hall. The Jets were unsuccessful on the two-point conversion.
The second half was all Buffalo. The Bills scored on their first two offensive drives to put the game out of reach. Ty Johnson scored on a 28-yard pass reception to put Buffalo up by two touchdowns. Buffalo’s offensive big play finally happened, as Khalil Shakir went 81 yards on a catch-and-run score.
The Bills forced the Jets to make a change at quarterback. Buffalo’s defense had a field day shutting down Zach Wilson. With the Bills up 29-6, the Jets would turn to Tim Boyle at quarterback.
Things kept going well for Buffalo’s defense. Tyrel Dodson forced a Garrett Wilson fumble to stop the Jets most promising drive of the half. Douglas recovered the fumble, being part of his second turnover of the game.
The fourth quarter essentially became garbage time for the entire 15 minutes. The Bills almost poached another interception, this time at the hands of Boyle. However, the review showed that Jordan Poyer did not secure the interception prior to the ball hitting the ground.
Tyler Bass added a 50-yard field goal into the wind to give Buffalo a 32-6 lead late in the fourth quarter.
Douglas added a late interception for his second on the night. This would seal the game for Buffalo. The Bills would conclude the night with a reassuring and comfortable victory.
Keys to the game
Buffalo’s defense was all over the New York offense. Zach Wilson didn’t have a prayer in today’s game, as he looked completely overmatched by what he was seeing against the Bills. Buffalo’s secondary blanketed the Jets receivers all game long, which allowed Sean McDermott to unleash the pass rush.
Buffalo recorded six sacks on the evening. Leonard Floyd led the way with 2.5 sacks. Terrel Bernard, Shaq Lawson, Ed Oliver, and Tyrel Dodson also contributed sacks.
The Bills gave up only 125 total yards ahead of the garbage time possessions in the fourth quarter.
Buffalo had a turnover margin of four to one. Rasul Douglas would be involved in three of the turnovers for Buffalo. The Bills only turnover was a Josh Allen interception heave at the end of the first half.
Buffalo’s offense seemed to get stronger as the game progressed. The Bills settled for three field goals on their first three possessions. However, once the Bills cracked the end zone, the Buffalo offense went off. Buffalo exploded with big touchdown plays to Ty Johnson and Khalil Shakir in the third quarter.
Quick hits
James Cook rushed 17 times for 73 yards. Cook added three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown reception.
Dalton Kincaid caught all six of his passes in the first half. Kincaid led the Bills in receptions.
Josh Allen three threw three touchdowns. On the day, Allen went 20-of-32 for 275 passing yards.
The Bills outgained the Jets 393-155 in total yards.
The Jets did not complete a third-down conversion. Buffalo stopped New York on all 11 attempts.
Buffalo recorded six sacks and conceded only one.
What's next?
Buffalo travels to Philadelphia (8-1) to take on the defending NFC Champions. The Eagles are currently the No.1 seed in the NFC.
