Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets second-half open thread, Week 17: Bills trail 3-0

The Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets have battled through rainy, windy conditions in a sloppy game reminiscent of a preseason tilt thus far. At the half, the score is 3-0.

For the Bills, their number-one goal was to exit the game with everyone at full health. That won’t be the case, as cornerback Levi Wallace suffered what appeared to be a fairly serious ankle injury in the first quarter. He is doubtful to return this week, but he was unable to put any weight on the ankle at all, so his status for next week looks doubtful, as well.

Josh Allen started the game for Buffalo and was largely ineffective for his two series, although he wasn’t asked to do much. Frank Gore leads the team in touches, as he has run the ball effectively all afternoon. He has six carries for 26 yards, and he also leads the team in receiving, catching three passes for 16 yards thus far.

Buffalo’s backups on defense have held the Jets’ starters on offense in check, as the team could only muster a field goal. Kicker Sam Ficken also missed a 51-yard kick on the team’s first drive. Sam Darnold has completed 15-of-23 passes for 122 yards. He also was intercepted by Wallace on the play where the latter injured his ankle. Le’Veon Bell has 12 carries for 45 yards, and Jamison Crowder has five catches for 39 yards.

Defensive back Siran Neal briefly left the game with what appeared to be a stinger, but he was back on the field later in the second quarter. The Bills have employed a heavy rotation thus far, with multiple backups seeing more time than normal. Jaquan Johnson had an interception nullified by a Kurt Coleman personal-foul penalty. Darryl Johnson Jr. has seen a majority of the snaps at defensive end. Julian Stanford has played middle linebacker. Lorenzo Alexander was given a curtain call in the first quarter. It’s been a quintessential Week 17 game.

Matt Barkley threw an interception at the end of the first half, giving the Jets an opportunity for more points heading into intermission. However, Ficken missed his second field goal, this one from only 34 yards out, leaving the score 3-0. His make came from 30 yards out.

This is your second-half thread, ladies and gentlemen. Go Bills! Stay healthy!