Evaluating the Bills-Giants game as a whole, Dan Lavoie was right... Buffalo smothered the Giants in a dominating win.
Here are the most noteworthy observations in a player-by-player format:
Tyrod Taylor
That spin move was... ridiculous. I’d guess Russell Wilson and Cam Newton are the only other quarterbacks who’d be able to execute something similar. However, on the re-watch, I noticed Taylor actually setting up the spin with a subtle step forward. Amazing poise there. Making a 193-pound cornerback look that silly — especially on a free blitz — is not easy. Taylor’s pinpoint throw afterward demonstrated his willingness to remain a passer after he leaves the pocket. Tyrod was outstanding all day, dropping a variety of throws directly into the bucket — the toss to Reggie Bush down-the-sideline was a dime piece -- and I think he meant to zing the touchdown pass to LeSean McCoy high and away from the defender. He slid on his first scramble attempt, but the dive toward the corner of the end zone while taking a sizable hit when he exited the pocket on the opening drive wasn’t the smartest idea. Overall though... a stellar performance for No. 5. If he can play in the regular season like he did against the Giants yesterday, the Bills offense will be electric.
Jerel Worthy
Last week it was Adolphus Washington, this week, the Bills best defender was Jerel Worthy. Against the Giants starters, he had nice scrape into the backfield on the first play. After New York’s opening first down, he stacked-and-shed the Giants right guard to help Jerry Hughes with a tackle for loss. In the third quarter, he tallied back-to-back tackles for loss that were all him. Worthy didn’t offer much as a pass-rusher but was tremendous against the run.
Kevon Seymour
Stayed in the pocket of the super-hyped Sterling Shepard from the slot and made a fundamentally sound pass breakup.
Jerry Hughes
He remained on the right side of the defensive line and was typical Hughes. He had one cross-over and one side swipe to quickly disrupt two run plays before they could materialize into anything.
Duke Williams
Stopped Odell Beckham Jr. in his tracks after Ronald Darby’s missed tackle and drove him backward then delivered a loud pop on Giants tight end Jerell Adams to stop him on a 3rd and long.
Cyrus Kouandjio
It wasn’t an awful day for Kouandjio, but he was much better against the Colts than he was against the Giants. He had some problems with Olivier Vernon’s rip moves. Anytime Kouandjio faced someone other than Vernon, he dominated.
Marquise Goodwin
Good, reliable outing for Goodwin... and he didn’t get dinged. Double positive.
Corey White
Most came against second- and- third-stringers, but three pass breakups will get the attention of Rex Ryan.
EJ Manuel
This was a classic, roller-coaster of day for Manuel. A few errant passes at all levels of the field, and a few pinpoint accurate tosses — most namely on the touchdown to Greg Little. When he’s decisive, he’s actually somewhat consistent. When he starts to panic, things can get ugly.
Lorenzo Alexander
Alexander certainly is not known for his pass-rushing ability. You wouldn’t have learned that if you only knew of his game against the Giants. The Bills current starting strongside linebacker created a handful of pressures, drew a holding call and had a sack against New York’s starting — albeit weak — left tackle Ereck Flowers.
Greg Little
Got some first-team snaps on the opening drive. Showcased his size on the touchdown — and even on the reviewed play earlier in the game.
Sterling Moore
He was on the field well into the fourth quarter against the Colts but was on the field with the starters a few drives against the Giants. His corner blitz / strip sack was executed perfectly.
Walt Powell
Another day, another impressive outing for Powell. He had three grabs for 46 yards, which included an awesome one-handed grab down the sideline on a throw from Cardale Jones. At this point, it seems like he and Little are battling to make the roster as the final wide receiver, but I think Powell has the edge.
Dan Carpenter
Won the starting kicker job yesterday, thanks to Jordan Gay’s misfires. Carpenter actually booted a kickoff five yards deep in the end zone too. The Bills tried a high, short kickoff as well and almost recovered it. The chances of Gay making the final roster took a big hit against the Giants.