by: Josh Nawoichik
The anticipation for this game and the start of any NFL season is tangible. The Bills made the wait worth it. Josh Allen came out dealing on the first drive totalling 58 yards on 5/5 passing. The first drive of the new season ended in a 26 yard touchdown pass from Allen to a wide open Gabe Davis. You cannot start a season any better than that.
The Rams, on the other hand, started slow out the gates. Their first three drives ended punt, punt, interception, respectively. It wasn’t until the second quarter, after a field goal from the Bills, that the Rams could finally put together a drive to get some points on the board. An 11-play methodical drive that just chipped away at the defense until none other than Staffords favorite target, Cooper Kupp, caught a 4 yard touchdown to put the score to 10-7. The quarter ended with a Rams field goal to even the score at 10 a piece.
The third and fourth quarters were a different story, however. Stafford and the defending champs were shut down on offense due to a ferocious pass rush including 2 sacks from former Ram and defensive player of the year, Von Miller. Stafford threw 2 more interceptions which destroyed any type of rhythm that the Rams were trying to find.
Normally the turnover battle is what shifts the tide, but this game was different. The Bills, who clearly had a good performance, still had their setbacks. Josh Allen threw two interceptions, both in the first half. The Bills also had a fumble from rookie James Cook and third year player Zach Moss. The Rams actually won the turnover battle with 3 turnovers to the BIlls 4. Stafford fumbled as well but the Rams recovered. The turnovers were most likely first game jitters and both teams will look forward to cleaning up their acts in week 2. Buffalo hosts Tennesee in their home opener on Primetime Monday Night Football. The defending champs have a good opportunity to work on their offensive struggles against a Falcons team that has yet to show promise as a competitive team in the league.
NFL fans are looking forward to the rest of week 1’s slate of games; hopefully they will showcase a little more excitement and competitiveness.
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