Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (Imagn Images)
Josh Allen Makes NFL History in Buffalo’s Dominant Win
Josh Allen achieved a historic milestone in the NFL, becoming the first quarterback to record at least five passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in the first two weeks of a season. In Thursday night’s game, he threw four touchdown passes in the first half, a feat he has accomplished four times in his career.
Allen also scored the first touchdown in New Highmark Stadium’s regular-season history with a one-yard run, capping an 85-yard opening drive. He finished the game with 248 passing yards, 69 rushing yards, and a total of five touchdowns, leading the Buffalo Bills to a commanding 21-0 lead before the Detroit Lions could respond.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid contributed significantly to the offense, making seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, adding another dimension to the Bills’ attack that defenses have yet to counter effectively.
Palmer hauled in a 43-yard touchdown on his first target against Detroit. Coleman was steady all night, catching six balls for 63 yards. Buffalo has now surrendered 31 points in back-to-back games. They blew a 21-0 lead before holding on.
Because dJ Moore picked up an apparent shoulder injury in the second quarter and could miss time, this matters more now. Two weeks in, both look like different players. If Moore is sidelined for any stretch, Allen will need Coleman, Palmer, and Khalil Shakir to carry the load. So far, the signs are encouraging. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard came into this job wanting to play aggressively, and his scheme is clearly generating results. Greg Rousseau had two sacks and a forced fumble by the end of the first quarter alone. The concern, though, is real. Penalties gave Detroit extra life, and the Lions scored right before halftime, then again to open the third quarter. A key defensive stop in the fourth quarter saved them, but a team with Super Bowl ambitions cannot keep giving up points like this.
Deone Walker has been disruptive, and Bradley Chubb notched his first sack as a Bill on Thursday night.