EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (WKBW) — Over the years covering the Bills, I have often times tried to stay optimistic when things start to go bad.
Matt Bove
After a 4-0 start, two straight losses have Bills fans in a panic and some of those concerns are certainly warranted.
Simply put — both sides need to be much better. Offensively, even without John Brown and Dawson Knox, the Bills should be able to score points on the Jets.
If they don’t, that’s when the concern should start. But for four weeks, the offense was very impressive, so we can see what they’re capable of when they’re clicking.
Defensively, that hasn’t been the case. As a unit, the Bills have struggled all season. Injuries have played a factor, but every team deals with injuries.
As a unit, the Bills are allowing an average of 28 points a game. That’s not going to cut it, especially for a team that prides itself on the ability to shut down opposing offenses.
With more injury concerns this week and multiple players sidelined, the Bills depth will be tested.
If they’re gashed by Sam Darnold, then the front office needs to be looking at ways to improve the roster.
This game will be closer than some think, but the Bills should still come out on top.
Bills 26, Jets 23
Season record: 5-1
Adam Unger
Even with the return of a regular weekly work flow, what a week it’s been for the Buffalo Bills.
This week’s “get right” game is now also a get healthy game, both on the injury front and the COVID-19 front.
Defensively, the lack of depth at linebacker and cornerback definitely raises some concern. But if there’s anyone that the Bills could miss that many players against, it’s the Jets.
Their passing offense is the worst in the league and puts up just 171 yards per game.
Even with Sam Darnold back in action, it won’t be pretty, but it won’t be a game breaker.
The two tight ends that ARE available to the Bills are Tyler Kroft and Reggie Gilliam— guys who have gotten the majority of the reps while Dawson Knox has been out with injuries anyway.
Plus, now that they have the WR depth to do it, the Bills have frequented four-wide personnel.
I expect to see more of that today and moving forward.
Nearly every player we talked to this week said they can’t afford to sleep on the Jets.
And that just because they’re 0-6 doesn’t mean the Bills are too big for them, or that they can overlook them.
But there isn’t a more winnable game left on the Bills’ schedule.
They need an exclamation point today, and I think they get one.
Bills 31, Jets 13
Season record: 4-2
Jenna Callari
At this time back in 1992, the Bills were on a two-game losing streak after starting the season 4-0.
Their next opponent? The New York Jets.
Sound familiar?
Fans certainly hope history can repeat itself because the Bills went on to win five straight games and made a Super Bowl appearance.
If the Bills want to get back on track they can’t just beat the Jets, they have to make it a dominant win.
The Bills are depleted on defense but it’s a good week to be thin since the Jets are one of the if not the worst offenses in the league.
Their defense, meanwhile, haven’t been able to keep any team off the board.
The Bills will be hurting in a few positions but I still think they can get it done.
If not, we have a problem.
Bills 29, Jets 12
Season record: 4-2
