Snap Counts: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets

The Buffalo Bills went into MetLife Stadium and put on a three-phase clinic against the New York Jets. With Matt Barkley at quarterback. And another shakeup on the offensive line. Entering the bye week, we get to bask in the warmth of victory for two whole weeks. Here’s a look at playing time. Data courtesy of Pro Football Reference.

Offense (73 snaps)

The Bills started their 42nd quarterback of the year with Matt Barkley. It went well. Another new starter appeared on the line with rookie Wyatt Teller replacing Vlad Ducasse at left guard. The right side could be seeing more tinkering as well. In the beginning of the fourth quarter, Jeremiah Sirles replaced Jordan Mills at right tackle for one series (a three-and-out). To close the game, Ryan Groy subbed in for John Miller at right guard.

For the skill players, Zay Jones being the number one receiver for playing time is old news. This week he made some clutch plays and helped elevate Barkley’s game. The Bills were able to get the ground game going and LeSean McCoy saw plenty of time as a result. Kelvin Benjamin barely cracked 50% of time on offense, which is his lowest percentage of time on the field this year.

Patrick DiMarco saw a healthy dose of playing time. Jeremiah Sirles also came into the game ten times as an extra lineman and occasional eligible receiver. The Bills seemed intent on using extra blockers to help out Matt Barkley and the running game.

Defense (56 snaps)

The 100% consisted of...squints...Levi Wallace and only Levi Wallace apparently. The usual group of Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano all missed at least a few snaps. Milano left the game with a head injury and his status will be one to monitor as we all cross our fingers for his health. Deon Lacey replaced Milano on the field with Ramon Humber being released Saturday.

The defensive line rotated about as expected. Star Lotulelei’s snap counts are a little low. This is almost undoubtedly a result of the Jets being down big most of the game, leading to an expectation of more passing plays. Shaq Lawson got the lion’s share of snaps at left end with Trent Murphy out with an injury.

In the secondary, Taron Johnson exited the game after only twelve plays with a shoulder injury. The Bills use a lot of nickel formation and Johnson’s role in the slot appears to have been covered by safety Rafael Bush.

Special Teams (31 snaps)

Players seeing 30% or more time on special team appear above. The Bills have remained stable with 36 different players appearing on special teams. The most notable move came from a player who didn’t quite make the 30% cut off. Isaiah McKenzie hit the field on eight special teams plays and gave the Bills a shot in the arm as a returner.