5 takeaways from the Bills’ 27-17 win over the Jets

Takeaways from the Buffalo Bills’ 27-17 win over the New York Jets.

Bills kicker Tyler Bass. Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker worries?

The Bills made the decision to go with rookie kicker Tyler Bass over veteran Stephen Hauschka in their offseason kicking battle. The sixth-round pick had a forgettable first game in Buffalo.

Bass was picked over Hauschka because of his leg strength. The worry was his accuracy with the ones he should make… such as kicks from 38 and 34 yards. Those are the first two distances that Bass missed from, with both kicks sailing wide right. Late in the game, Bass did make two chip shots from the goal line, however, he nearly missed one of those, even.

In addition, Bass was supposed be able to kick touchbacks with ease? Didn’t look as easy as advertised for him. The game’s opening kickoff didn’t even make it into the end zone.

Buffalo special teams coordinator Heath Farwell did say the Bills would give Bass some slack as a rookie, and we’re immediately about to see how much. But in a good coaching decision, McDermott did put Bass out there late for those chip shots instead of keeping the offense out there. Gives the rookie some confidence.