Observations from the blowout win over Denver

Four observations from the Buffalo Bills’ 42-15 win over the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium

The Bills offense looked to be in mid-season form on Saturday, as they did just about everything they wanted against the visiting Broncos. They scored a touchdown on their first six drives of the game and posted 510 yards from scrimmage for a whopping 9.1 yards per play. The win was the tenth straight preseason victory for the Bills, dating back to 2018.

Albeit, the Bills started their first teamers and the Broncos played their backups all game, but whether the Bills had their first, second or third teamers out there, there was no sign of slowing down.

I don’t think you could point out a poor performance from any Bill on Saturday, especially on offense. So many different players contributed for the Bills in a big way that it was hard to narrow it down to just a handful of observations. I will break down four things that stood out to me from the game, starting with QB1 being back in action.

Josh Allen picks up where he left off

Before Saturday, the last time we saw QB Josh Allen on a football field was when he was posting historic numbers in the 2021 postseason. In those two games in January, he combined to throw 9 touchdowns (0 interceptions), and he posted a completion percentage of 77.4% and a passer rating of 149.0. Those two games helped propel him to owning the highest playoff passer rating of all time.

On Saturday, Allen picked back up where he left off last season. In just one drive of action, he went 3-for-3 passing for 45 yards and a touchdown, posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating in the process. His touchdown was a thing of beauty. After a pirouette in the pocket, he delivered a 40-yard laser off his back foot to Gabe Davis in the endzone:

The 28-yard TD capped off the six-play drive for Allen. His other two completions on the drive were to Isaiah McKenzie (for 10 yards) and Stefon Diggs (7 yards). Devin Singletary had a couple nice runs on the first drive, which set the tone for the entire day for Bills running backs.

Bills running backs looked nearly unstoppable

Bills running backs combined to rush the ball 26 times for 209 yards on Saturday, averaging over 8 yards per carry as a team. Below are how the carries were split up:

• Devin Singletary: 4 rushes, 39 yards
• Zack Moss: 4 rushes, 19 yards (2 TD)
• James Cook: 4 rushes, 38 yards
• Duke Johnson: 9 rushes, 55 yards (2 TD)
• Raheem Blackshear: 5 rushes, 58 yards

There were praises sung by Bills Mafia for all the above backs on Saturday. Singletary looked how an RB1 should, Moss was a beast around the goal line, Cook displayed his elusive dual-threat ability, and Blackshear now has fans thinking the Bills should give him a chance after two solid preseason outings:

The Bills seem to have 5 quality halfbacks, which is a great problem to have. And, assuming Taiwan Jones makes the team due to his special teams ability, there’s going to have to be cuts and players moved to the practice squad.

Shaq Lawson: “I’m BACK!”

The standout on defense on Saturday was our old friend, DE Shaq Lawson. He was all over the field during his 32 snaps on the day. He registered a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a pass defensed. After batting down a screen pass on a third down for the Broncos, Lawson had just one thing to say: “I’m back!”

Lawson should add a reliable depth piece for the Bills’ rotation of pass rushers. He may not play a ton of snaps and will probably be behind Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and Boogie Basham, but as you can see, Lawon only needs a handful of snaps to make a splash play or two. His veteran presence and energy should be a big lift for the defense in 2022.

QB Case Keenum bounces back

Many fans were disappointed with Case Keenum’s performance in the first preseason game against Indianapolis. In that game, he posted a 61% completion percentage (11/18), two interceptions, a passer rating of 33, and only 86 yards passing. He misplaced balls and looked uncomfortable in his Bills debut. But, in his defense, he was working with the Bills second team offense and going up against the Colts’ starters.

It’s safe to say he’s looking comfortable now, as he was nearly perfect in his second outing in Buffalo. He completed 16 of 18 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown pass was to tight end OJ Howard and it was a thing of beauty. Keenum anticipated the throw nicely and put it in a spot where only Howard and his big frame could catch the ball. It’s great to have a legitimate QB2 with prior starting experience – this way you can get an accurate look at some of your skill players, and I’m sure Bills Mafia was happy to see Howard showcase his ability.

The Bills will look to make it 11 preseason wins in a row as they travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers Friday night in the final tuneup game before the season opener. The game starts at 7 p.m. There’s been no word yet on who will play in the game, but we will keep you updated. Find Built in Buffalo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest.