Instant analysis: Bills defense dominates, offense sloppy in finale win vs. Jets

Some ups and down but there was no denying the #Bills defense was anything but great vs. the #Jets (via @jdiloro):

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The Buffalo Bills (11-6) concluded their 2021 campaign with a 27-10 victory over the New York Jets (4-13). The victory gave the Bills their second consecutive AFC East title.

Buffalo now slots in as the three-seed in the AFC playoff picture.

Defensively, there was a great deal to like about this game. Buffalo’s defensive talent was far superior when compared to the Jets offense. The Bills defense dominated, putting constant pressure on rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.

Wilson struggled when faced with any sort of hindrance by the Bills. By the end of the game, Buffalo put up their best sack total of the season, registering nine sacks.

Buffalo’s defense put the clamps on a lifeless New York offense. The stats from Sunday only further solidified the Bills spot as the top defensive in the league.

The Jets managed only four first downs in the entire game. Buffalo only allowed 53 total yards. Wilson threw for 87 passing yards. When factoring in sack yardage, the Jets managed only five net passing yards. The Bills won the battle in the trenches against the run all game. The Jets managed only 48 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Outside of the Jets sole touchdown, a 40-yard pass to Keelan Cole, New York had little positive to look back on offensively. The Bills were a bit too aggressive on fourth down, as Jordan Poyer just missed an interception. Cole gained a step of Taron Johnson, and sprinted to the end zone.

Outside of that, it was an ideal day for the Bills defensive unit. For Buffalo’s offense it was a bit of an uneven performance.

The game started well for Buffalo’s offense. Quarterback Josh Allen was locating Pro-Bowl wideout Stefon Diggs with ease. Rusher Devin Singletary was restoring faith in the Bills ground game, moving the ball with the offensive line plowing the path.

The Bills scored on their opening drive, with Allen escaping pressure and locating Diggs in the corner of the end zone on a spectacular play:

The Bills’ next drive would stall, ending with a field goal.

Up 10-0, the Bills offense would go into a bit of a cold spell. They would go on to punt three more times in the half, going three-and-out on three consecutive drives.

Even with Buffalo dominating in total yards (236-to-68), the Bills carried only a 13-7 lead into halftime.

The opening second half drives for Buffalo would not inspire confidence with the offense. Allen and his receivers were out of sync, as the unit could not sustain drives. Buffalo’s first four second-half drives ended with punts.

Finally, the offense started clicking. With the Jets anemic offense, there was little concern that the Buffalo’s offense would have to face any pressure to score a bevy of points. It was only a matter of time before the Bills offense added to their lead.

Singletary broke through with a one-yard rushing plunge. On the next drive, Singletary added to the touchdown tally, scoring on a short five-yard pass from Allen. Buffalo would coast home for the division title from here.

While the offense was inconsistent at times, there are moments to shine a light on.

Singletary’s running plus the offensive line’s control in the trenches alleviates some pressure in the passing game. Allen is perhaps the best player in the league when throwing on the run. He extends plays, and Allen is a menace when he needs to break the pocket and run.

The special teams unit had quite the day as well.

Cam Lewis blocked a punt in the first quarter:

Punter Matt Haack, who had not punted in a game in three weeks, had some closing to his regular season.

In the first half, Haack shanked consecutive punts, giving the Jets great field position. He righted himself in the second half, ending the day with a long punt of 53 yards.

Buffalo will host a Wild Card game next weekend. For the first time, the NFL is holding Super Wild Card weekend, meaning games will take place Saturday afternoon through Monday night.

The outcome of the Los Angeles Chargers-Las Vegas Raiders game will impact who the Bills face.

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