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4 Studs From Bills Opening Night Statement Win Against The Rams

Josh WieselBy Updated:No Comments7 Mins Read
Diggs TD

Opening night of the 2022-23 NFL season began with a banner ceremony as The Los Angeles Rams were honored for their Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals last season. The game that ensued was one the Rams would like to forget. After Josh Allen found Gabe Davis for an opening drive touchdown, the Rams quickly fell behind. A 57-yard field goal by the Rams All-Pro Matt Gay tied the game at 10 going into halftime. After scraping to a tied first half, the Rams wouldn’t put any more points on the board. The Bills would dominate the second half and outscore the Rams 21-0, winning by a score of 31-10. 

Bills
The Rams may have raised a banner, but the Bills dominated the night. Winning 31-10, the Bills used a 21-0 second half to slam the door shut in Los Angeles on opening night.

4 studs from the Bills:

Stefon Diggs:

Stefon Diggs has really enjoyed his time in Buffalo since arriving before for the 2020-21 season. In 2020-21, Diggs led the NFL in receptions with 127 and receiving yards with over 1,500+. He also put up monster playoff performances against the Colts in the wild card round, and the Ravens in the divisional round. Eventually the Bills would fall to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game where Diggs had six receptions for 77 yards.

Diggs had another dominate season in his second season in Buffalo in 2021-22. He finished 7th in receiving yards, T-8 in receptions, and T-6 in receiving touchdowns. After a disappointing playoffs that saw him combine for only 10 catches and 67 yards in two games, Diggs enters a new season with new hope to cross the finish line.

Opening night was a strong indication that Stefon Diggs should be set for another huge season. Ending the game with eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, Diggs dominated the Rams secondary that had no answer for him.

Stefon Diggs and Bills quarterback Josh Allen continue to be one of the best QB-WR duos in the NFL.

They showed that strong connection here when they linked up for a 53 yard touchdown:

Here’s what Diggs had to say when asked about the play:

 

This was only the first of what should be many electric plays between Allen and Diggs this season.

2. Josh Allen

Diggs counterpart Allen also had a big opening game. Completing 26/31 passes for 297 passing and three touchdowns, while running for 56 yards and a touchdown, Josh Allen showed everyone why he could be the most dominant player in the NFL.

Allen did throw two interceptions, although only one of them was really his fault.

Towards the end of the first quarter, wide receiver Isaiah Mckenzie bobbled the ball which ended up in Rams OLB Terrell Lewis hands:

The second interception was a force throw with under two minutes left in the first half that resulted in Rams cornerback Troy Hill coming away with the football:

https://twitter.com/highlghtheaven/status/1568049436982403072?s=20&t=EdOx1P4qJFHlfxuWlDRd4w

Allen will have to clean up play like this over the course of the season.

On top of having the rocket arm, Allens legs are what make him such a tough quarterback to defend. He rushed for 763 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Allen continued to show how his legs can be a weapon in the RedZone with this touchdown run against the Rams:

The current MVP favorite at +450, Allen is the engine that makes everything go for what could be the NFL’s #1 offense this season.

3. Von Miller:

It was an emotional night for Von Miller who took on the team he won the Super Bowl with last season. The 33-year-old Miller left the Rams in the offseason to sign a six-year $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.

When asked about the move to Buffalo, Miller noted that he wanted to be a piece that helps get the Bills over the hump:

“We’re here in the indoor practice facility and we have all these AFC Championships up here and not one Super Bowl.”

Von Miller got the best of his former team and quarterback last night. Pressuring the Rams offensive line all game. Miller made Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford uncomfortable and forced him into quick decisions.

Von Miller overpowered Rams offensive lineman Joe Noteboom en route to his first sack as a Buffalo Bill:

 

Noteboom also fell victim to Millers second sack. Miller blew past him and jumped on a helpless Stafford from behind:

An impressive opening game for Miller, he would lead the Bills in sacks with two.

After the game, Miller did say he was grateful for his time in LA:

Bills
It was a special night for Von Miller who returned to LA to play the team he helped win the Super Bowl last season. Miller would put pressure on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford all night and lead the Bills with his two sacks.

 

4. Jordan Poyer:

Manning one of the best secondaries in the NFL, Poyer and the Bills were able to hold Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in check. Going into the season, PFF had this unit ranked sixth. This is a Bills secondary last season that allowed the least passing yards, passing touchdowns, yards per attempt, lowest completion percentage, and was third in interceptions.

Poyer was a big reason behind that and his stellar play earned him First Team All-Pro honors for the 2021-22 season. Poyer is also on the last year of the contract and set to become an UFA after the season.

Earlier in camp, he stated staying in Buffalo is his priority when he said:  “I can’t think of a better situation for me to be in than Buffalo right now.”

If Poyer just continues to do his thing for the Bills, all should work out. Last night was a great reminder to Bills management how important and key he is for this football team.

With 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Rams down 24-10 on their own 43 yard-line, Stafford went for a big play over the middle to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. An overthrow and tip off Kupp’s hands, Poyer was in position to benefit from the mishap and pick up his first interception of the season.

Poyers interception effectively ended any chance of a Rams comeback:

If Poyer continues this level of play in the 2022-23 season, the Bills should be eager to get pen to paper on a shiny new contract.

Bills
2021-22 All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer enters the 2022-23 season in the last year of his contract and without an extension. If Poyer continues producing at the high levels he’s shown, the Bills will have to make a big contract offer, or there will be plenty of teams ready to sign up for Poyers services

Bottom Line:

The Bills were impressive on opening night and showed everyone why they are the Super Bowl favorites. A dynamic offense and defense, the Bills look to have the pieces you want in a Super Bowl team. It’s still early in the season, but the Bills will undoubtably be a force to be reckon with. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs continue to fool defenses and WR Gabe Davis played well in what many expect to be a breakout season. Von Miller made immediate impact and captain Jordan Poyer iced the game with his interception.

*The Bills host the Tennessee Titans at home in Buffalo week 2 on Monday Night Football. 

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Josh Wiesel has been writing for Gridiron Heroics since July 2022. He graduated Rutgers University with a journalism degree, and is a lifelong New York Giants fan. He is also interested in writing about the props and betting market in sports.

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