The Buffalo Bills fell to the New York Jets 13-6 to close out their regular-season slate of games. The game had the feel of a preseason game since the Bills were already locked into the fifth spot in the AFC playoff standings and the Jets playing out their schedule as New York was eliminated from the playoff picture weeks ago.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott removed most of his starters by the end of the first quarter, leaving the majority of snaps to players who will provide depth in the Wild Card round.
The most special moment of the game occurred midway through the first quarter, as McDermott called a timeout so that veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander could be acknowledged while leaving the field.
Impressively, Buffalo’s reserves on defense kept the Jets offense under wraps. The unit allowed only 272 total yards. Jets quarterback Sam Darnold was quiet, totaling 199 passing yards on 23-of-36 day. He threw one touchdown, a third-quarter score to wide receiver Jamison Crowder.
Trent Murphy recorded two sacks on the day, while Siran Neal and Corey Liuget each registered six tackles.
Offensively, Buffalo saw some unfamiliar faces gain some decent yardage. TJ Yeldon carried the ball seven times for 18 yards. He also caught three passes for 24 yards. Wide receiver Duke Williams was targeted often, catching six passes for 108 yards. Tight end Tommy Sweeney was a presence over the middle of the field, catching five balls for 76 yards.
Isaiah McKenzie also put pressure on the Jets defense, running two jet sweeps for 30 yards.
However, there was a lack of continuity with the second-string garnering most of the meaningful snaps on the day. Matt Barkley struggled throughout the afternoon. Barkley turned the ball over three times: two interceptions and a lost fumble. He did not inspire much confidence if he were to see the field in a dire situation in the playoffs.
Barkley finished completing 18-of-35 passes for 232 yards and the aforementioned turnovers. Several passes sailed and found the turf off Barkley’s hand.
Several bills limped off the field at several points in the game. Offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe, cornerback Taron Johnson, defensive back Siran Neal, and cornerback Levi Wallace all missed snaps during the game.
However, Wallace’s injury could have major ramifications going forward, as his lower-body injury looked somewhat severe. The Alabama product could not put weight on his leg leaving the field. As the counterpart to Tre’Davious White in the Bills secondary, his possible absence will be problematic for the Buffalo.
The Bills conclude their season at 10-6, their first double-digit win total in 20 years. Buffalo will travel to Houston for Wild Card playoff action next weekend.
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