Jets Embarrass Bills 48-28
Sloppy Bills don't show up for season opener.
by Steve Saslow
at
Week 1
Bills  28
Jets  48
Gameday Grades
The Skinny:
Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions, one was returned for a touchdown as the Jets blew out the Bills early and beat Buffalo 48-28 on opening day. The Jets also returned a punt for a touchdown in opening up a 27-7 halftime lead that swelled to 41-7 before the Bills made the score a little more respectable with three straight touchdowns in garbage time. C.J. Spiller was the lone bright spot with a career high 169 yards rushing on just 14 carries and a 56 yard touchdown run. Fitzpatrick threw three late touchdown passes to Scott Chandler, Donald Jones, and Stevie Johnson. Shonne Greene ran for 94 yards for the Jets and Mark Sanchez threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Fred Jackson and David Nelson both left the game with knee injuries and neither player returned. Chan Gailey said after the game that Nelson's injury is more serious but they will know more tomorrow after both players undergo MRIs. Jackson took a bad shot that saw the knee bend back but he was walking pretty well on the sidelines.

The Turning Point:
You could say it was Fitzpatrick's first pick that got the Jets going but I will go with Jeremy Kerley's second touchdown of the game. His 68 yard punt return for a score put an early nail in the Bills coffin.

The Big Drive:
The Jets second touchdown drive put them firmly in control. It was a 52 yard drive in five plays in just 2:31 to make it 14-0. Sanchez hit rookie WR Stephen Hill with a 33 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to cap the drive.

Stat I Did Like:
Spiller's 169 yards rushing

Stat I Didn't Like:
Fitzpatrick's three interceptions

Quick Slants:
- Spiller had two huge runs of 56 and 49 yards but his fumble came at a time that the Bills still had a chance to mount a comeback.
- The Bills and Jets traded interceptions on the first two series.
- The Bills spread the field even though they were banged up at wide receiver and the Jets were missing their star nose tackle. Should have used two TEs more.
- The Bills won the toss but as is customary for Chan Gailey they deferred. The game was already over by the 2nd half kickoff.

My Take:
I was concerned that the Jets would make this a statement game after the circus filled offseason that had. I just never thought their offense would be able to put points on the board. The Bills made it easy with four turnovers and the special teams got into the act by giving up a score. It was just a total embarrassment and the Bills will need to show character to bounce back from such an awful loss.

What's Ahead:
The Bills head to Orchard Park for their home opener against Kansas City who got blown out in their opener. It will be two teams with high hopes going into the season battling to avoid a 0-2 start. At least this game is at home.

Gameballs

  • C.J. Spiller - His 169 yards rushing and huge 12.1 yard average per carry was the lone bright spot in this loss.


  • Goats
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick - He threw three touchdown passes in garbage time after he threw three interceptions when the game still mattered.
  • Leodis McKelvin - Same old Leodis. Perfect position poor execution on one touchdown pass.
  • Mario Williams - Was not even heard from going against a guy making his second career start.


  • Player Of The Week
  • C.J. Spiller - Did anyone else show up?


  • Positional Breakdown and Grades
    NFL.com Gamebook
    Jets Game Preview
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