New York Jets 12, Buffalo Bills 21: Home Team Dominates the Trenches (Highlights)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Marcus Maye #26 of the New York Jets attempts to tackle LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half on September 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season.

  • New York Jets 12 (0-1)
  • Buffalo Bills 21 (1-0)
  • NFL, Week 1, Final, Box Score
  • New Era Field, Buffalo, New York

It begins. The 2017 New York Jets season has begun and those who had any inkling of a thought that they’d steal one up in Orchard Park, New York were disappointed with the final score.

The Buffalo Bills took the opener by the final score of 21-12.

Offensively, it was embarrassing for the road team. Starting quarterback Josh McCown actually shows signs of life and played pretty well considering what happened in front of him. He managed the game very well.

The problem was that this offensive line provided absolutely nothing.

Time and again, John Morton‘s conservative offensive gameplan led to long second and third downs rather than manageable ones. The O-line was the greatest culprit as neither Matt Forte nor Bilal Powell could muster three or four-yard runs. Instead, they were stuffed for no gain, a yard or a loss.

An incredible eight times the Jets picked up two yards or fewer on rushing attempts in the game.

Perhaps the worst sign as a Jets fan came with a little over 10 minutes to go in the contest. Facing a 4th-and-8 and their own 44-yard line, Todd Bowles elected to punt down nine points.

Are you kidding me? With your defense dead tired from playing most of the game and a two-possession lead starting at you in the face, he elected to punt. It’s the classic example of a coach not understand his personnel. He’s a defensive mind and desperately wants his football team to be able to handle this situation, but there’s no realistic chance of pulling it off.

Interestingly enough, it was the Jets who had the first crack at getting on the board.

After Buffalo marched down the field on the opening drive, Juston Burris picked off Tyrod Taylor in the end zone and returned it near midfield. Only teammate Marcus Maye being thrown into the runner stopped the early return score.

Eventually, the Bills did put up the first points of the season when Taylor found Charles Clay on the quick out in the second quarter:

From there, Buffalo’s offensive line and defensive line both continued to win the war in the trenches.

LeSean McCoy ran for over 20 yards three times, collecting 110 yards on 22 total carries. Taylor finished 16-of-28 for 224, two scores and that lone interception.

Every time the Jets chipped away at the lead, the Bills offense answered.

New York’s lone touchdown came late in the third quarter when Josh McCown snuck one in on 4th-and-1 at the 1-yard line. The Jets starter finished 26-of-39 for 187 yards and two picks, both coming in the fourth quarter (the last on a desperation shot).

Jermaine Kearse led all receivers with seven grabs for 59 yards while Will Tye caught three for 34.

As previously mentioned, there was nothing for the Jets running backs. Forte went for an embarrassing 16 yards on six carries while Powell could only muster 22 on seven attempts.

Defensively, second-year linebacker Darron Lee looked lost. He simply couldn’t manage the front seven and found himself out of place many times. The corners played well, as did both young rookie safeties. Muhammad Wilkerson was a no show and Leonard Williams was double-teamed at every turn.

The 0-1 Jets will look to rebound in Week 2 when they take on the tough Raiders in Oakland.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com