Detroit Lions @Buffalo Bills Preview
The Buffalo Bills will host their first regular-season game in primetime Thursday at their new stadium, and they’ll have an exciting Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Buffalo said goodbye to Ralph Wilson Stadium at the end of last season and built Highmark Stadium across the street from the Bills’ 52-year home.
The Bills never won a Super Bowl during “Ralph’s” tenure, but they entered their first season in their new stadium with high hopes that their wait for their first championship would finally be over.
They got off to a positive start in Week 1, with quarterback Josh Allen having a stellar performance in a thrilling 36-31 win on the road against the highly regarded Houston Texans defense.
Detroit also had to work on its Week 1 victory, as the Lions gave up a 21-point lead to the New Orleans Saints before winning 31-30 in overtime.
It was a pretty close escape for the Lions, as the Saints failed on a two-point conversion attempt in overtime to seal the win.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows it’s on his defenders to make life difficult for Allen if they want to crash the Bills’ party.
“They performed well in 11 games [personnel – one running back, one tight end, three receivers]. They did well in 12 [ 1 RB, 2 TE, 2WR],” Campbell said. “They have the personnel. They have a quarterback that can do it, and they have a coaching staff that can find those little nuggets and mismatches.
“Ultimately, I don’t care what they throw at us, the quarterback is the key to it all. If we don’t let him go long every time, it’s going to make things very difficult.”
The Bills are relishing the prospect of playing their first official game in their new home, but head coach Joe Brady is eager to ensure they don’t play too many games on the occasion.
“The environment is going to be great. We can allow the environment to change, but we can’t [change,]”Brady said.
“I wish we could come on Thursday because it’s the most important game of the season, because it’s the next game. If we do more than we actually do, then I’m not doing a good enough job and usually don’t get the right result.
“Buffalo City, this is the night they deserve. This is going to be an outstanding environment. This is where we want to be; we want to play under the lights, we want to do it all. So let’s embrace it. Now this is our chance to show what we believe in what we believe in.”
