Buffalo Bills (1-1) – Las Vegas Raiders (1-1): 38-10
When Josh Allen goes, everything goes. After being tormented by the Jets defense last week, the Bills quarterback got back on track (31/37, 274 yards, 3 TDs), dragging his entire team in his wake. A big victory which finally launches Buffalo’s season. The Raiders only had an illusion during one short quarter.
Buffalo’s offense way too strong
Obviously, when the Bills offense plays at this level, it’s difficult for opponents to exist. The Raiders’ defense is certainly not the best in the NFL, but they were never able to get up to speed in this game. Josh Allen got all of these receivers involved (9 different players caught balls), and the running game was finally effective. James Cook (17 races, 123 yards) led the charge, and the experienced Damien Harris and Latavius Murray took over perfectly to finish the actions (a touchdown each).
Opposite, Jimmy Garoppolo (16/24, 185 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT) did Jimmy Garoppolo. Sometimes a good manager, relying in particular on Davante Adams, he was also put in difficulty by the defense and threw two interceptions into the hands of the linebackers. It must be said that the ground game was not of much help to him. Only 55 yards, including 34 for rookie receiver Tre Tucker on a jet sweep. Josh Jacobs, in particular, completely missed his game, and finished with a horrible record of -2 yards in 9 carries.
It must be said that the Bills defense was particularly impressive tonight. Sure, Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t sacked once, but he didn’t seem to be able to find aerial solutions either. The linebacker duo Matt Milano-Terrel Bernard was particularly prominent. Both authors of an interception, they are also one of the reasons why the Las Vegas running game has been so weak.
Las Vegas not up to par
A week after beating the Broncos, the Raiders were violently brought back to reality by Buffalo. If the touchdown scored quickly on the first drive could give Las Vegas hope of a new victory, the rest of the match was more confusing. Three turnovers, only 13 first downs in the match, and an unpleasant feeling of helplessness against a Bills team that was much stronger in all aspects of the game.
Buffalo managed the clock very smartly, having possession of the ball for 40 minutes. The Bills’ overall performance is extremely convincing after a loss and a poor impression last Monday against the Jets. More than the victory, therefore, it is really the manner which is to be highlighted in this meeting.
