As the Bills get ready to take on the Jets at New Era Field to open the 2017 season, here’s 10 reasons why you should be hyped for the matchup.
By Kelly Baker / Contributing Correspondent
10. Bills. Football. Is. Back.
After a long offseason without Bills football on Sundays, the boys are back and we couldn’t be more excited. What better way to kick off the 2017 regular season, than at New Era Field? We’ll see you there, Bills fans.
9. Alumni Weekend
A group of Bills legends will be in town this weekend to show their support for their team on opening day and to celebrate a milestone in Bills history. The fun-filled Alumni Weekend will include a VIP Gala, VIP Tailgate Party and Celebrity Charity Golf Classic. The Bills will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Comeback Game” during a special halftime ceremony. Andre Reed, Steve Christie, Don Beebe, Thurman Thomas, Jim Kelly and Darryl Talley are among the alumni attending the event.
8. Tailgating twofer
With two new and exciting ways to kick off game day at New Era Field this season, Sundays just got even better. Debuting Week 1, the Billevard is located on Abbott Road, between Tim Hortons Gate 5 and Pepsi Gate 3, and the Fan Zone is available in the ADPRO Sports Training Center. From a beer garden (must be 21 years old to enter) and food trucks, to a media lounge and virtual reality, the Billevard and Fan Zone have something for every fan to enjoy. For more information, click here.
7. Old foes, new faces
The Bills and Jets are certainly not strangers. In fact, Sunday’s matchup will mark the 113th meeting between the AFC East Division rivals. However, since they last met in January, both teams’ rosters have undergone significant changes. Get ready to see some new faces, including Buffalo’s rookies Zay Jones and Tre’Davious White, battling to come away with a Week 1 win.
6. The big 6-0
Eager to get an early division win, the Bills will look to come out strong against the Jets. Having defeated New York six out of the last 10 matchups, Buffalo is prepared to make it seven. Not only would a win opening weekend be sweet, it would advance the Bills to 60 all-time wins over the Jets.
5. College reunions
In the NFL, football is family and it’s common to see players from opposing teams come together to wish each other good luck and swap jerseys. This week, Bills players and LSU alumni cornerback Tre’Davious White and long snapper Reid Ferguson, will reunite with fellow former Tiger, Jets safety Jamal Adams. Bills CB E.J. Gaines will also reunite with a college teammate in Jets DE Kony Ealy.
4. Bills ‘D’ ready to bring the heat
Quarterbacks beware. Under the direction of Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and head coach Sean McDermott, the Bills defense has found itself in familiar and unforgiving territory, in a 4-3 defense. For Buffalo’s front four, this is great news. For their opposition, however, not so much. In 2014, the last time the Bills ran a 4-3, sacks were aplenty, totaling 54 on the season. Buckle up, Bills fans. You could be in for quite the ride on Sunday.
3. A first for Head Coach McDermott
Not only will Sunday’s game mark the start of a new season for the Bills, it’s also Sean McDermott’s first regular season game as Buffalo’s head coach. With a win, McDermott will become the second Bills head coach to secure a victory during his first Kickoff Weekend game.
2. Let the chase begin
Bills top running back LeSean ‘Shady’ McCoy has been juking, eluding and all-around confusing defenders for nine NFL seasons. At 29 years old, Shady is showing no signs of slowing down. Chasing a few records this season, the elite ball carrier needs just two touchdowns to reach 75 for his career. Look for the five-time Pro Bowler to make his presence known.
1. It Starts With One. One Team. One Focus.
As one team, united, the Bills have worked together, with one focus and one goal to prepare for the season. Ready to give it their all each week, they know it starts with one Sunday. This Sunday.