By McKenna Middlebrook / Billswire.usatoday.com
After a comeback win the Meadowlands last week, the Bills returned to New Jersey where they defeated the Giants 28-14. It was a poor first series for the offense and defense, but they both tightened up their game so Buffalo could score 21 unanswered points in the game.
So, whose stock went up or down in week two of the NFL season? Here’s our weekly stock report following the Bills’ win over the Giants:
Stock up
Josh Allen, QB
The hopes and dreams of Bills fans lay on the right arm of quarterback Josh Allen and against the Giants he delivered. His first game was a mixed bag but he gave his team the win. In his second trip to the Meadowlands he had one rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown, and 253 yards. For Bills fans, the most important statistic was that Allen completed 63-percent of his passes.
Not bad for a guy who can’t throw.
The legend of Devin Singletary grows. He had a total of 98 yards on just nine touches last week against the Jets, and against the he continued to produce. ‘Motor’ as his teammates call him, motored for 57 yards on 6 carries for his first NFL touchdown.
The rookie has been impressive in his short NFL career.
The ageless wonder, Frank Gore, bashed his way through the Giants defense for 68 yards and a touchdown. The two backs totaled 125 yards and two touchdowns.
The two can make a very dynamic duo.
Josh Brown, WR
Josh Allen and John Brown have had great chemistry in the early stages of this season.
Against the Giants, Brown had seven catches for 72 yards. Brown was making catches all over the field and is becoming a reliable target for Josh Allen. Brown is known for his speed, but being able to make plays in the short and intermediate area of the field will be crucial for Buffalo.
Bills fans want to see how their relationship will develop over the coming weeks, and hope for them to find a connection on the elusive deep ball.
Defense
What else can be said about this Bills defense?
They have looked dominate throughout the past two games, allowing 21 points, forcing three turnovers, and sacking the quarterback five times.
Well… that escalated quickly.
Today they were able intercept the two time Super Bowl winner, Eli Manning, twice and were able to tip four his passes at the line of scrimmage. Rookie Ed Oliver got his hands on the ball which led to an interception by Trent Murphy, and Harrison Phillips tipped Eli Manning’s passes twice.
Stock down:
Offensive Line
The offensive line was an issue against the New York Giants. The unit let up 3 sacks and had a myriad of penalties against them. The penalties were the biggest issue because they were stalling drives and putting the offense in bad positions.
This was apparent in the third quarter when the Bills offense stalled against the Giants defense. The line wasn’t able to hold their blocks which created problems in the run game, and forced Josh Allen to leave the pocket.
The unit has had two poor games in a row fans can hope that they can pull it all together next week at home.
Cody Ford, Dion Dawkins, and Mitch Morse all had calls go against them.
The Bills two trips down to New Jersey resulted in two wins for the team. They also provided two different games. Against the Jets the team needed last minute heroics, but against the Giants the team looked comfortable throughout.
Next up is the struggling Cincinnati Bengals, who fell to 0-2 versus the San Francisco 49’s in a 41-17 defeat.