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Video Preview: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Episode 1 of Josh Allen versus Sam Darnold

The Buffalo Bills return home this weekend to host the New York Jets at New Era Field. Josh Allen and the offense look to continue the positive trend they’ve established over the last two games, the Jets have uncertainty at quarterback, and the Bills special teams looks to get back on track.


Josh Allen keeps trending up

Since returning from an elbow injury suffered against the Houston Texans, rookie quarterback Josh Allen has looked much more impressive than he did to start the year. He’s established himself as a prolific scrambler, setting franchise quarterback rushing records in back-to-back weeks and became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to log back-to-back games with 95 or more rushing yards. He hasn’t been as good as a passer, but there have been flashes. His two touchdowns came on throws that traveled over 20 yards and he tied Patrick Mahomes for the most “Big Time Throws” last week. He’s the most exciting part of this team and the biggest reason fans should keep tuning in, even with the team all but eliminated from playoff contention.

Sam Darnold starting

Fans of both teams missed out on a Josh Allen versus Sam Darnold match up the last time around thanks to injuries to both rookies. They won’t be disappointed this time though, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Darnold will start this Sunday against the Bills. Both rookie quarterbacks have had rough starts to their careers. Each ranks towards the bottom of the NFL in most quarterback measurements. Darnold is slightly ahead of Allen in a few categories. We’ll get to see Sunday who can get the first win of this soon-to-be rivalry.

Special teams struggles

Sunday’s special-teams performance may have been one of the worst of Danny Crossman’s six-season career as Special Teams Coordinator for the Bills. Steven Hauschka missed his first extra point as a Bill as well as a field goal and Isaiah McKenzie (with some assistance from Siran Neal and Lafayette Pitts) muffed a punt. Crossman’s unit is currently tenth worst in the league. If they keep hurting the team like they did last week, I don’t think Crossman will be in Buffalo for a seventh season.