In the AFC heavyweight fight, the Bills knocked down their opponents on Monday night while sending a strong message to the rest of the NFL. After a 41-7 victory over the visiting Titans, the Bills went 2-0 while cementing their status as the conference’s top team.
This was Bill’s main performance in all three stages. The headliner was quarterback Josh Allen, who threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns in three-quarter work. He had a field day passing the ball to Stephen Diggs, who caught 12 passes for 148 yards and 3 points. Buffalo’s offense was complemented by a defense that shut down Titans star running back Derrick Henry, who finished the night with 25 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The game started off competitively, with both teams scoring touchdowns in the opening game. But after that, Beal took over, scoring 10 points in the second quarter to lead 17-7 at halftime. The Bills went unanswered with 24 points in the third quarter to end the competitive phase of the game. Of those points, 17 were due to three forced turnovers, including Matt Milano’s 43-yard pick at No. 6 Ryan Tannehill, who was taken by the second overall pick in the quarter. Rookie Malik Willis makes a clearance.
The win keeps the Bills in step with the Dolphins in the AFC East. At 0-2, Tennessee is in great shape as it is one of three winless teams currently residing in the AFC South.
why Bill won
Things were going well for Beal on Monday night, which really made the headlines. Week 1 showcase for Buffalo The Los Angeles Rams think it should be a favorite to lift the Lombardi Trophy in February, while the Bills are just getting established in Week 2. Allen completed 26 of 38 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns, while Diggs took his chance on 12 passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns.
The defense only allowed the Titans 182 total yards compared to the Bills’ 414, and Buffalo won the turnover battle 4-0. In Week 2, the Bills were victorious in every aspect of the game. It’s that simple.
why the titans lost
I think a better question is what is right for the Titans than what went wrong Monday night. Tannehill completed 11 of 20 passes for 117 yards and two interceptions, and Derrick Henry rushed for 25 yards and one touchdown on 13 passes, and the defense kept blowing past. However, I think the third item is what really stands out from this loss.
One weakness that Buffalo is clearly exploiting is a secondary weakness in Tennessee. One of Christian Fulton’s cornerbacks was ruled out Saturday with a hamstring injury, and without him the team is young and very inexperienced. Former first-round pick Caleb Farley is playing his fifth career game, then Roger McCreary and Tre Avery are rookies. All three struggled to stop this explosive offense, especially Farley. It’s hard for Jack Cuomero to cook up a 39-yard gain for you any time. Like that one, a few important games were dropped as Diggs had a 46-yard bomb and Isaiah McKenzie had a 28-yard pass. Allen certainly has good stats, but I’m really surprised he doesn’t take more shots in the frontcourt.
Titan Middle School wasn’t elite last year either, but the top seven made them look good at times. With Harold Landry sidelined this season due to a torn ACL, Bud Dupre leaving Monday night with a hip injury, and Ola Adenei also knocked down, the Titans’ defensive line struggled to put pressure on Allen – Leave the young cornerbacks to their own equipment.
turning point
In the third quarter, the Titans finally forced the Bills to get their first point of the season. Sam Martin kicked the ball away and Titans rookie Kyle Phillips knocked it down — his second of the season.
The UCLA product has huge potential as a slot receiver, but you have to wonder if Mike Vrabel will get him back there and keep him going.
Gameplay
The Bills offense and all their scoring headlined the game, but the defense also played well! They made a staggering four turnovers — including an impressive interception from veteran Jordan Boyer.
what’s next
The Titans return to Nashville next Sunday to host the 0-2 Las Vegas Raiders. As for the Bills, they hit the road against the undefeated Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who had an impressive 469 yards and six touchdowns.