Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen Keep Raising Level in Victory Over NFC’s Best and Banged-Up Lions
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – The Buffalo Bills are starting to look like the team many expected them to be at the start of the season. Quarterback Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level, and the defense is making big plays when they need to.
On Sunday, the Bills put it all together in a 28-25 victory over the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. The Lions came into the game with a 6-1 record, but they were without several key players, including quarterback Jared Goff and running back D’Andre Swift.
Allen took advantage of the Lions’ depleted defense, completing 22 of 37 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 40 yards on eight carries.
“Josh is playing at a high level right now,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “He’s making good decisions, he’s throwing the ball accurately, and he’s running the ball effectively. He’s a big reason why we’re 6-2 right now.”
The Bills’ defense also played a key role in the victory. They held the Lions to just 25 points, and they forced two turnovers.
“Our defense played great today,” McDermott said. “They made some big plays when we needed them to. They’re a young group, but they’re starting to come together.”
The Bills’ victory was their third in a row. They are now 6-2 on the season, and they are in first place in the AFC East.
“We’re starting to play our best football,” Allen said. “We’re getting better every week, and we’re starting to believe in ourselves. We know we can be a special team.”
Allen Continues to Impress
Allen has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season. He is completing 67.3% of his passes for 1,980 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 356 yards and four touchdowns.
“Josh is playing at an MVP level right now,” McDermott said. “He’s making good decisions, he’s throwing the ball accurately, and he’s running the ball effectively. He’s a big reason why we’re 6-2 right now.”
Allen’s performance against the Lions was one of his best of the season. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 40 yards on eight carries.
“I’m just trying to do my part to help this team win,” Allen said. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, and I’m just trying to do my part to make sure we reach our potential.”
Defense Steps Up
The Bills’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season. They are allowing just 18.6 points per game, which is fifth in the NFL.
“Our defense is playing great right now,” McDermott said. “They’re making big plays when we need them to. They’re a young group, but they’re starting to come together.”
The Bills’ defense forced two turnovers against the Lions. They also sacked Lions quarterback Tim Boyle three times.
“We’re starting to play with a lot of confidence,” said Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. “We know we can be a good defense, and we’re starting to show that.”
Bills in First Place
The Bills’ victory over the Lions moved them into first place in the AFC East. They are now 6-2 on the season, and they have a one-game lead over the New York Jets.
“We’re in a good spot right now,” Allen said. “We’re in first place, and we’re playing our best football. We just need to keep it going.”
The Bills will be back in action next Sunday when they host the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are 3-5 on the season, but they are always a dangerous opponent.
“We know the Packers are a good team,” McDermott said. “We’re going to have to be ready to play our best football.”