The Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets 20-12, splitting the season series with their divisional rival.
The victory keeps the Bills (10-3) in the top spot in the AFC playoff standings.
Despite that, Buffalo’s afternoon was anything but easy. The conditions were not ideal for an offensive shootout. However, just like in the first meeting between these two teams, the Bills struggled to sustain offensive progress.
The Jets (7-6) defensive front played primarily a wide-nine technique, meaning their pass rushers were lined up far outside of the offensive tackles’ shoulders. This put pressure on Bills tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown.
Instead of taking advantage of the space in the middle of the field, Buffalo offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey could not find a series of plays that gained chunks of yards between the tackles.
Buffalo’s offense produced only 232 total yards. QB Josh Allen threw for 147 passing yards on a 16-of-27 passing day. Allen threw for a touchdown and also rushed for a score.
Tight end Dawson Knox led the way with four receptions for 41 yards and a spectacular play for the touchdown.
It was the kind of afternoon where one would expect Allen to take over the game. Instead, Allen was penned in by the Jets defense. Allen struggled to get the ball outside of the numbers. In addition, there was a lack of plays where receivers found separation in the intermediate passing game.
New York suffered two major injuries that hindered their efforts. Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was a thorn in the side of Buffalo’s interior offensive line all game until he suffered a knee injury. Mike White left the game twice after between crushed by Bills defenders. White’s throws were accurate in the conditions until he was hindered by an injury to his ribs.
Buffalo’s defensive line did well putting pressure on White. The Bills registered eight quarterback hits. Greg Rousseau was a menace, registering two sacks. AJ Epenesa and Shaq Lawson also added sacks.
Matt Milano and Jordan Poyer were everywhere on the field. Milano recorded nine tackles, a quarterback hit, and two passes defended. Poyer helped stabilize the secondary, registering seven tackles, a pass defense, and a tackle for loss on the afternoon.
The Bills defense did enough to keep the Jets under wraps. However, there were several moments where Buffalo’s defense seemed to have its back against the wall. Jets wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore found space in the Bills secondary throughout the game.
There were also some concerns with the Bills tackling, as running back Zonovan Knight was able to break some tackles and gain some positive momentum throughout the game.
Also, the Bills special teams unit was looking good until midway through the fourth quarter when Sam Martin’s punt was blocked out of the end zone for a safety. The moment gave life to the Jets.
Martin punted a season-high eight times in this game.
Bufalo’s offense also did not close out the game on a high note. Buffalo’s final three offense drives ended with two punts and the aforementioned blocked punt. All three of these drives ended as three-and-outs for the Bills.
Still, a win is a win. The Bills defense kept Buffalo in a spot to take the victory. However, this is the second consecutive game in which the Jets completely stupified the Buffalo offense.
Buffalo (10-3) will return to action on Saturday night at Highmark Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.
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