The Buffalo Bills christened their new digs Thursday night with an offensive clinic. In the inaugural regular season game at the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, the Bills scored touchdowns on each of their first four possessions en route to a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions.
While the Bills (2-0) got off to a fast start, the Lions (0-2) stumbled out of the gate with only one first down in their first two drives. That allowed the Bills to establish a 21-0 lead in the first half. Josh Allen scored the first regular season points in the new stadium with a 1-yard touchdown run, then completed touchdown passes to Josh Palmer and Dawson Knox to expand that lead. After Detroit got on the board, Allen added a third touchdown toss to his ledger late in the 2nd quarter by connecting with Dalton Kincaid. The Lions appeared to gain momentum with 10 unanswered points; a field goal at the end of the half, followed by a touchdown from Amon-Ra St. Brown in the 3rd quarter, closed the gap to 27-17. But they could get no closer. Allen restored Buffalo's lead to 17 points with his second touchdown run, and then after another Detroit touchdown, James Cook punctuated the victory with his first touchdown of the season with 2:50 remaining.
In addition to his five total touchdowns, Josh Allen threw for 248 yards and ran for 69 yards in Buffalo's winning effort. Dalton Kincaid was Allen's top target with seven receptions for 95 yards. And James Cook amassed 135 rushing yards on 21 carries. Lions quarterback Jared Goff put 327 yards and four touchdowns through the air, and Amon-Ra St. Brown caught nine passes for 142 yards and two scores.
The Bills return to action on Sunday, September 27th at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Photos by the Buffalo Bills
