Looking to kick off the farewell season of Highmark Stadium, the Buffalo Bills started off with a banger, stealing a win over a more talented Baltimore Ravens team, winning 41-40 on a game winning field goal from newly signed Matt Prater!
The Bills appeared to lose the game on a crazy play by Lamar Jackson to avoid a sack followed by a 46-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry put the Ravens up 40-25 but a fumble by Henry and a furious 16-point comeback set the Bills up to stun the Ravens in Week 1.
The Bills moved to 1-0 and took command of the division as everyone else in the East lost on Sunday. This was an incredibly competitive game but Buffalo found a way to steal this game. This is what great teams do.
In addition to the electrifying win, the Bills were able to exit the game with minimal injury issues. Read below for a full injury breakdown and analysis.
In-Game Injuries
KR Brandon Codrington (Left Knee)
With 6:25 left in the third quarter, Codrington caught a punt and immediately was hit low by Keyon Martin. He limped off the field and into the medical tent.
By video, there is a concern for a mild MCL sprain but he was able to return to finish the game with a hinged knee brace. I’ll consider a meniscus tear as well but his knee was flexed quite a bit which may have reduced the shearing needed to tear.
He was likely able to finish the game due to the fact the swelling did not set in yet and still had range of motion. This may be a bigger issue later this week and I expect to see him with a compression sleeve and limited during the week. Hopefully he can progress and be ready for Week 2.
OT Spencer Brown (Cramping)
Brown briefly required attention by the athletic trainers late in the game in the fourth quarter. The broadcast later stated that Brown was dealing with cramping.
Video was not available on broadcast when Keon Coleman caught the pass and was tripped in the red zone when Brown needed attention. Cramping is not an issue but fortunately he didn’t have to leave the game but likely required fluids afterwards.
(Any new injuries will be updated following Monday’s press conference)
Other Observations
The Ravens were stunned as the Bills moved to 1-0. The Bills won this one but they also know how these wins now can turn into losses later in the postseason. The most mind-boggling thing was how low of a chance the Bills had to win the game before roaring back.
Despite the win, the Bills still need to treat every week as separate entities. They can’t get ahead of themselves as they prepare to take on the New York Jets, always a tough out as a division foe. The Bills may get Tre’Davious White back along with some other roster moves with the open roster spot. The Bills stole this one, they know it, but great teams find a way to win.
Top Photo Credit: Michael Owens / Getty Images
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