Prior to Sunday’s win against the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills defense and pass rush looked more like an engine revving to start up than the well-oiled machine of recent memory.
Even in the first half of the eventual 18-10 win, the Bills defense was still playing like it was stuck in the mud. Jets running back Frank Gore was consistently gashing the Bills on the ground. When the two teams went back in the locker room at half, New York led 10-6 in big part to that.
As things turned out, it was a tale of two halves for the Bills. Not only did Buffalo hold the Jets scoreless in the second half, they nearly left Gang Green yard-less. The Jets only advanced the ball four net yards the entire second half.
That’s some turnaround.
Playing a big role in that effort was defensive end Jerry Hughes. With two sacks, he led the Bills’ pass rush which finally came to life. Hughes also had a game-sealing interception. Following the victory, Hughes said the improvement actually had more to do with mentality than anything else.
“We were able to bring that energy on the road, and be those road warriors,” Hughes said. “And I think it was huge for us just to get out of that slump.”
The captain’s 10th career game with two-plus sacks tied another former team leader, Kyle Williams, for fifth in franchise history in that category. On his interception, a pass batted by Quinton Jefferson, Hughes recorded his first pick since his junior year in college at TCU.
“It was just floating there. What are the odds you have one floating like that in D-line territory?” added Hughes. “Figured why not grab it, try to score a touchdown. Have some fun.”
In trying to have a simple good time, Hughes also managed to impress some of his teammates, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who had a couple of opportunities himself to grab an interception but failed to do so.
“Hats off to my dog Jerry, man. That’s a good play,” Edmunds said. “But I’ve got to make a play, simple as that. And I will, man. Opportunities are going to come. I’ve just got to take advantage of them & capitalize off of them.”
The momentum-building effort in the second half against the Jets came just before the Bills face another AFC East foe next weekend as well… the Patriots. While only 2-4, Buffalo won’t be overlooking the team that has dominated their division for many years.
But having some extra confidence gained against New York heading into their meeting with New England? That won’t hurt.
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