Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills headed into their Week 2 home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders needing a win after a Week 1 collapse against the New York Jets on Monday. They got that victory on Sunday, and then some, by blowing out the Raiders, 38-10, in the at Highmark Stadium.
With the team feeling Sunday was almost a must-win game, neither the Bills defense nor offense hesitated. Defensively, Buffalo forced three turnovers and shut things down after allowing an opening drive touchdown. As for the offense, the unit generated three touchdowns through the air, and added two more on the ground.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott emphasized the team need to improve their discipline following Monday's loss in the Meadowlands.
"The discipline was present, really with the whole team, in particular Josh [Allen]," said McDermott following Buffalo's victory. "When he does that, when he's willing to take what they give him and take those check downs and then use his legs as well in a decisive way, he make's it really hard to defend."
McDermott continued his theme of improvement revolving around Allen, as he felt his starting quarterback got better throughout the week, recovering well from a tough game just six days ago.
"I think more than anything, it's humility. When you approach every week with humility, you start in the right spot mentally," McDermott said. "When you have the games like last week, it forces you to be rather humble. I know I keep talking about humble and hungry, I just believe in that. The minute you get out over your skis in this league is the moment you get bit. Again, this league is a great teacher."
One aspect of this game that greatly improved was the Bills' rushing defense. Buffalo was able to hold Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who won the league rushing title in 2022, to minus-2 yards. The defense was able to hold Raiders running backs to just 55 yards in the game.
"Our front played well in the run game, and that's where it's gotta start. It starts at the line of scrimmage every week," McDermott said. "This is a game that usually comes down to the bigs on both sides of the ball. Those guys don't get their names in the paper all that much, but they are a catalyst of playing well."
Hear more of McDermott's postgame press conference with the media available in the player below:
