The Buffalo Bills made a statement with a 31-10 season-opening win over the Los Angeles Rams. In addition to quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs, the revamped defensive line excelled.

Munich – Von Miller made life difficult for his former teammates. The Buffalo Bills linebacker ripped opposing quarterback Matthew Stafford to the ground twice, also recorded three tackles for loss.

“I did everything I could do to be successful in this game. And it was OK today,” he said humbly after his Buffalo Bills’ 31-10 season-opening win.

Last offseason, the Bills invested heavily in the defensive line. Not only did the Bills sign superstar Von Miller, who went on to win the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in February, but they also signed defensive tackles DaQuan Jones, Jordan Phillips and Tim Settle.

Bills defense sets season-opening best

The Rams felt the effects of that. With seven sacks and 15 quarterback hits, they made sure the opposing passing game never found the rhythm they had hoped for. Seven sacks were the most the Bills’ defence ever managed on a first day of play. Phillips was also among the defence’s most eye-catching players with his 1.5 sacks and a tackle for loss.

“You could look in their eyes and see that everyone was hungry and everyone wanted to win this game,” Miller has words of praise for his teammates. “I think everyone on the line had a sack today and we had three interceptions. So it was a great day.”

Head coach Sean McDermott also gets downright giddy when talking about his team’s pass rush, “I loved it. I have to be able to get there with four guys. We were able to do that tonight. That was a great, great first game for those guys. “

Patient offense and Josh Allen was efficient

But it wasn’t just the defense that shined. The offense also showed once again why the Buffalo Bills are considered Super Bowl contenders. Quarterback Josh Allen completed 26 of his 31 passes for 297 yards and three touchdown passes, plus ran for another touchdown himself.

A key to their success was that they didn’t try to force the big plays, but were patient. It worked so well that the New York State team didn’t even have to punt. “We knew we had to be efficient offensively,” McDermott said.

“Partly because of what Aaron Donald does and how fast he can get to your quarterback. If you hold the ball back there too long, he’s going to show up or somebody else is going to show up. We did a good job taking what they offered us. Josh was very patient and the receivers ran crisp routes.”

Stefon Diggs may have been the standout with his eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. But other pass receivers like Gabe Davis (88 yards, 1 touchdown), Isaiah McKenzie (1 touchdown) or Zack Moss (6 catches) also had their share.

“We have a strong five guys,” Diggs said. “And we even have some guys who didn’t even get into action but could contribute if that’s what it takes. We have some guys who can make a lot of plays.”

The Tennessee Titans may have that down as a threat. They have the difficult task of stopping the outstanding Buffalo team in Week 2.