What we saw Sunday was a team that clicked on every single cylinder and simply did not miss! A 43-21 drubbing of the Washington Football Team sends the Buffalo Bills to 2-1 and on fire to Week 4 against a hapless Houston Texans team.
I had thought it would take one more week for the offense to get in sync as Washington’s defense brought several things to the table including their all first-round defensive line, designed to apply unrelenting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, Buffalo’s offensive line stood up to the test, keeping QB Josh Allen clean the entire time with zero sacks.
On top of that, the Bills suffered only one injury from Sunday’s contest with its severity reported as day-to-day. Below is the injury recap and thoughts moving forward as the team prepares for Week 4.
In-game injuries
S Jordan Poyer (left ankle)
The Bills nearly escaped with an injury free game until Jordan Poyer went down with a left ankle injury with 7:13 left in the 4th quarter. This was the result of a catch by Washington’s WR Terry McLaurin for a 37-yard gain. Poyer, LB Tremaine Edmunds, and CB Tre’Davious White were all in pursuit with Poyer close to tackling McLaurin until his left leg was taken out by Edmunds.
The hit came from outside and appeared to trap Poyer’s ankle underneath Edmunds and the ground, similar to a high ankle sprain. However, he appeared to avoid this as he continued to move forward, his heel possibly slid up and the foot appeared to be pointing down. This mechanism of injury appears to be more of a simple roll up, minor ankle sprain which is more pain related.
He was amped up following the game suggesting he avoided serious injury. However, he was later seen in a walking boot on social media.
I do expect Poyer to be on the injury report this week and be limited at least one of the days. He has since been ruled day-to-day which could potentially mean missing Week 4 based on what day-to-day traditionally has meant. Considering the Texans are the next opponent, it may be best to rest him if he does not practice a lot this week.
Poyer has missed only 13 games over 8 seasons due to injury with 10 of those games being a result of a lacerated kidney in 2016 when he was with Cleveland. He has shown the ability to play through injury if needed, but more information will be required to see if he plays or sits this week.
Other observations
CB Levi Wallace & CB Dane Jackson (knee)
Both were questionable heading into the game but ultimately suited up. Wallace played in 100% of the defensive snaps, keeping Jackson on the bench. Wallace had two tackles while Jackson did not show up on the box score but contributed on special teams with 8 snaps total. It’s also worth noting that Wallace had what looked to be a compression sleeve on his right knee, suggesting that was the injured knee.
This appears to be more in line with what we saw in Week 1 against the Steelers with regards to playing time.
WR Marquez Stevenson (right foot)
Stevenson’s minimal IR stay has been completed which means he can be activated for Week 4 if the team so chooses. With the health of the team being so good and needing to cut someone to make room, it’s unlikely that Stevenson is activated this week.
The Bills are currently -17 point favorites at home against the Houston Texans which is set to be a great tune-up game before Sunday Night Football against the Chiefs in Week 5. Last year, there were several injuries including CB Levi Wallace, QB Josh Allen, and LB Matt Milano in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders and prior to the game with LB Tremaine Edmunds, RB Zack Moss, CB Tre’Davious White, and OG Jon Feliciano which put the Bills at a disadvantage when they faced the Chiefs, ultimately losing.
They need to get points on the board, pull the starters, and get to Week 5 healthy for a showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Top Photo Credit: WKBW
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