Leading into the Buffalo Bills preseason game against the Denver Broncos, we knew the potential was there for the Bills to put on a show. Ultimately, much of the discussion centered around coach Sean McDermott’s decision to play most of the starters, while Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett opted to sit most of his 22 starters. But this kind of performance…in the preseason? It might be fair to say that for much of the afternoon it felt like an NFL team lined up against something other than an NFL team.
Lots of points for Children’s Day
The preseason is usually when teams sort out the kinks before the games that matter. But it’s rare for an NFL team to be completely rocked in a one-sided affair, preseason or otherwise. Of course, the score doesn’t matter, nor do all the fancy statistics. But it’s hard to ignore the disparity between these two clubs as it played out today.
Statistics for everyone
Going into halftime, the Bills were in cruise control, leading 28-6. Josh Allen left early after a 3-of-3 performance for 45 yards and a nice catch to Gabe Davis. All eyes were then on Case Keenum, who went down last week against the Indianapolis Colts. He turned in a sensational performance, going 16/18 for 192 yards and 1 TD. Keenum IS the QB2 of this team and the Bills Mafia should welcome his talent.
As a team, Buffalo was 26 of 29 for 302 yards with 2 TDs and no turnovers. Three incompletions between three central defenders. Wow. And on the ground, they did — 209 yards on 27 carries between five running backs and Matt Barkley. Zack Moss and Duke Johnson each scored a pair of TDs.
Making an afterthought
Buffalo scored a touchdown every time it had the ball in the first half. Not ideal for a crafting contest, but Children’s Day never promises a crafting contest. Finally, with just 8:00 left in the game, the Bills attempted a field goal. They had to — and Matt Haack didn’t disappoint, putting the Broncos deep on a 38-yard drive. Even at the mercy, Buffalo was firing on all cylinders.
Depth per day on screen
It didn’t matter who was on the field for the Bills – the entire roster was just too much for the Broncos. From a near-perfect first half, to continued dominance, Buffalo appeared much more prepared and playing with a sense of urgency. The roster decisions will be some of the toughest ever for all involved.
Injury news
McCloud went to the locker room for stitches after a facial laceration in the first quarter. He went to the sideline again soon after, and had a hard hit in the bottom of the fourth. Great to see his stamina.
Looking forward to next week
The Bills travel to North Carolina to close out their preseason slate against the Carolina Panthers next Friday, August 26 at 7:00 PM Eastern.
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