East Rutherford, N.J. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to start the 2025 season with a 2-0 record when they face the New York Jets in their first AFC East matchup of the year on Sunday in New Jersey.
To do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Stop the run!
The Bills were gashed on the ground by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, who totaled 238 yards and a whopping 8.21 yards per-carry. Running back Derrick Henry had 169 yards and two touchdowns himself, while quarterback Lamar Jackson ran for 70 yards and a score.
Now they face a Jets team that ran for 182 yards last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including 107 yards from running back Breece Hall and 48 from quarterback Justin Fields.
No doubt the Jets will want to replicate what the Ravens did against the Bills.
Complicating matters for Buffalo is the fact that defensive tackle Ed Oliver, their best player on that side of the ball last week, will miss this game with an ankle injury.
The Bills cannot let the Jets get going on the ground, control the clock, and the game.
2.) Be more aggressive with Josh Allen
Last Sunday night, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady elected to keep things a little safer for most of the contest, waiting for the Ravens to make mistakes and then capitalize. That didn’t happen until very late in the contest.
The Bills went three-and-out twice in the first half. The first time was after gaining nine yards on first down. The second time was after two very short throws.
When they found themselves down late in the game, that’s when Allen and the offense started to throw the ball downfield and had success.
That should happen earlier and more often against the Jets.
3.) Don’t give the ball away
Yes, be aggressive, but not reckless.
Allen has turned the ball over 18 times against the Jets, including 11 interceptions and seven lost fumbles. That’s more than he has against any other opponent.
However, over their last three meetings, he’s thrown seven touchdown passes, run for two more touchdowns, and only thrown one pick. That’s a big reason the Bills have won each game, and by a combined score of 95-40.
The Jets will look to turn Allen and the Bills offense over. Buffalo not giving the ball away will give them a great chance to come home victorious.
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