NFL: 7 biggest surprises through Week 2
By Bryce Olin
7. Buffalo Bills
Is there anyone that thought the Buffalo Bills would be 2-0 after Week 2? Show me that person, if they’re out there.
The weird thing is the Bills are lacking big individual performances but getting the job done as a team.
Quarterback E.J. Manuel has thrown for two touchdowns, an interception, and 375 yards total on 32-of-46 passing in two games. Running backs C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, and Anthony Dixon have rushed for 270 yards in two games. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins has 148 receiving yards in the two games. Individually, those aren’t great performances, but together, the Bills have put together two complete games.
The offensive line is playing much better than last season, having only allowed one sack in the first two games. The offense is also taking care of the ball, something they struggled to do last season. In the first two games, the Bills only turned the ball over once, an interception thrown by Manuel. Limiting sacks and eliminating turnovers is a solid step in the right direction for the Bills. We’ll see if they can keep that up throughout the season.
Going 2-0 against the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins isn’t exactly putting the Bills on track to win the Super Bowl, but there’s a foundation to build upon for head coach Doug Marrone and his staff.
Through the first two weeks, that foundation has been the Bills’ defense. The defense has only allowed 15.0 points per game, the sixth-best points allowed average in the league. The Bills have also forced five turnovers in the first two weeks of the season, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
We’re only an eighth of the way through the season, but the Buffalo Bills are in sole possession of first-place in the AFC East. It’s their race to lose…
Come on, I’m kidding. It’s a long season.