The Buffalo Bills opened their 2024 NFL regular season schedule against the Arizona Cardinals, taking a 34-28 win.
As is always the case, there were many players that played a factor in the final outcome. Some more than others.
With that, here are five takeaways from the Bills’ (1-0) win over the Cardinals (0-1).
Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) calls signals under center against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Bills had this same problem when Ken Dorsey was previously their offensive coordinator, but this was really a whole team effort. Buffalo’s offense and defense did not look good early and really for most of the first half. If it wasn’t for a late rushing touchdown from quarterback Josh Allen, it could have been 17-3 at halftime.
The numbers show it. Arizona held time of possession 12:37 to 2:23 for the Bills in the first quarter. Yards were an even uglier for the Bills, as the Cards had 119 to Buffalo’s 16.
That will need to change.
(USAT)
Allen on the ground would not be denied. The Bills quarterback rushed in two scores and had a third that was called off by a penalty. Buffalo’s quarterback did have a fumble early against the Cardinals which he has to clean up, but his ability to rush the ball was on full display in Week 1.
Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott on the sideline during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The return game was good and very bad for the Bills.
Brandon Codrington arrived to Buffalo late in the offseason in a trade with the New York Jets. He proved his worth quickly, returning a kickoff 53 yards.
Then… the Bills kept the Cardinals alive. Deejay Dallas returned a kickoff to the house for a touchdown right after a Bills score. Arizona tacked on a two-point conversion to bring the fourth quarter score to 31-28.
Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott will not be happy about making it so easy for Arizona in that moment.
Arizona’s James Conner carries the ball before getting taken down by Bills Greg Rousseau during first half action at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sept. 8, 2024. Coming up to help out Rousseau is teammate DaQuan Jones.
Greg Rousseau might be en route to a career year. Let’s pump the brakes a bit but what a start for him.
Rousseau had three sacks, none bigger than his strip of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray which eventually led to Buffalo taking their first lead of the game. A massive play, not to mention Rousseau tacking on three tackles for loss too.
Those are franchise player numbers.
Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) enters the field before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
The Bills have plenty to fix. Penalties were a problem, and as noted, those were directly felt on the scoreboard.
Regardless, Buffalo got the job done throughout the second half. In particular, right at the end. We’ve seen Murray throw a prayer up against the Bills… and this time the defense held strong. No “Hail Murray” in 2024.
