The Buffalo Bills barely escaped Sin City, clawing their way to a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and honestly, one single turnover was the whole dang story. It wasn’t always pretty, far from it, but our Bills got the win. Now we’re sitting pretty at 5-1 atop the AFC East, heading into a bye week next week. But before we pop too many celebratory bubbles, we gotta talk about the dumbest move of the season so far.
That Boneheaded Move From Gardner-Johnson
Look, C.J. Gardner-Johnson is an edgy player. We know that. He shows that edge every single game. But what he did against the Raiders? That was just plain idiotic and put the team in a terrible spot. Not only did the guy struggle with wrapping up tackles all day, credited with six missed tackles already this season, but he went full dummy mode late in the first half. While the Raiders were driving inside the two-minute warning, Gardner-Johnson spat at Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum, or tight end Brock Bowers, or just in the vicinity of their huddle. He was instantly ejected. Are you kidding me? A veteran player making a mistake like that, especially when he’s arguably been our best safety, allowing only 10 of 18 passes to be completed when he’s the closest man in coverage. He had just one tackle before getting tossed. I fully expect him to be suspended for at least the Baltimore Ravens game in two weeks, and you know what? He deserves it. We need better leadership and smarter play than that, especially from a guy we rely on.
The Young Guns Stepping Up When It Counts
Despite the boneheaded play from a veteran, some of our younger guys really stepped up big. Keon Coleman, man, that dude continues to show serious growth in his third professional season. Every time Josh Allen needed a big catch, who did he find? No. 0. Coleman’s burst off the line is looking sharper, his route breaks are tightening up, and those hands? Great. He was pulling down contested catches and snagging passes when he was wide open. That wild touchdown pass in the third quarter on a quintessential Josh Allen ad-lib was just a thing of beauty. And get this: that was Allen’s 258th career touchdown pass, which ties Hall of Famer Jim Kelly for the most in Bills history. Coleman finished with four catches for 59 yards and a score on six targets, showing he might not be a Tee Higgins-level superstar, but he’s definitely coming along nicely.
And let’s not forget Dorian Williams! Our inside linebacker made a huge play in the third quarter, intercepting Kirk Cousins. It looked like Williams was in zone coverage while his defensive buddies were in man, and when Brock Bowers broke for an out route, Cousins must’ve thought he had a window. Nope! Williams was there, making a clutch play that contributed to that one turnover that ultimately made the difference.
So, we’re 5-1 and sitting pretty going into the bye week. That bye is a chance to heal up, but you know everyone’s gonna be watching closely for news on Gardner-Johnson’s suspension. Our next game is in November, against the Baltimore Ravens. That’s a huge matchup, and the potential absence of our top safety for something so avoidable could make things way tougher. Let’s hope the guys get right and come out swinging!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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