Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills opened their 2026 preseason with a 29-14 win over the Carolina Panthers at the new Highmark Stadium.
Here are my Arrows Up and Down from the game, starting Up after the win:
Orchard Park, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker celebrates his sack with edge rusher Greg Rousseau during the first half of their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium on Aug. 15, 2026. Timothy T. Ludwig - Getty Images
ARROW UP:
D.J. Moore
Moore was as good as he has been in training camp, getting great separation and collecting three catches for 61 yards in a short time on the field.
Josh Allen
Allen was just shy of a perfect passer rating at 156.2 thanks to going 6-for-8 (75%) for 111 yards and a touchdown. He looked comfortable, in command, and in a rhythm with his receivers immediately.
Deone Walker
Walker was a problem for the Panthers offense from the get-go. He was penetrating their backfield and getting down the line to make plays, finishing with three total tackles, a sack for a 6-yard loss, and a QB hurry.
Kyle Allen
The Bills backup quarterback was incredibly efficient, going 14-for-16 (87.5%) for 108 yards.
Kani Walker
The rookie undrafted free agent continues to make plays. In the fourth quarter, he had great anticipation for an interception behind the line of scrimmage. He's pushing to make the team.
Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr.
Both Bills backup running backs did a great job when given opportunity. And both had very similar stat lines.
Joe Brady
The Bills head coach deserves an Arrow Up for winning his first game as the man in charge, even if in the preseason.
Defensive team speed
It was very apparent in this first game of the Joe Brady/Jim Leonhard era that the Bills defensive team speed has drastically improved.
Jordan Hancock
The second-year defensive back made splash plays with tackles for loss and four total stops.
Mike Danna
The veteran defensive lineman not only had two sacks, but they came on the same drive. The first to start the drive on first down and the second to end it on fourth down.
T.J. Parker
Parker had a sack in his preseason pro debut, and looked very comfortable in Jim Leonhard’s defense.
Third-down defense
The Panthers were just 3-for-11 on third downs (27.3%).
No punts
The Bills didn’t punt in the game. That’s always good.
Orchard Park, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass attempts a field goal during the first half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium on Aug. 15, 2026. Timothy T. Ludwig - Getty Images
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ARROW DOWN:
Tyler Bass’ miss
Bass made field goals of 29, 46, and 33 yards, and also nailed a pair of extra point chances. But he also missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.
Third-down offense
The Bills were just 1-for-7 on third downs, including 0-for-5 in the first half.
Josh Allen taking hits
Josh Allen was sacked once, and actually went down twice, but the second was nullified by a defensive penalty. He was also hit, or grabbed, or breathed on a little too much for my liking.
D.J. Moore injury scare
After his third catch, Moore exited the game and was being examined by athletic trainers on the sidelines. That lasted for several minutes before the wideout got up and hung out with his teammates on the sideline. He didn’t play anymore, but he also never went into the medical tent and did not revisit with athletic trainers, which is all a good sign.
Penalties
The Bills were called for nine penalties for 98 yards. That absolutely has to be cleaned up before the regular season, if not by next week.
Red zone offense
The Bills were inside the Panthers red zone six times, but only punched it into the end zone on half of them (3-for-6).
No punts
The Bills didn’t punt in the game. Of course that’s good (see: Arrow Up), but it also means we never saw rookie Tommy Doman for the first time.
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