The Buffalo Bills just beat the New York Jets 17-14 at home, securing the Bills' first victory of the season. It always feels good to win against the Jets; the only win I've personally experienced in Orchard Park was against them.
At 1-3, the Bills' record is nothing to start a tickertape parade about. Still, given the adversity of so many injuries (including the well-publicized spinal injury to Kevin Everett, which dominated the regional news for days after it happened) on what already seemed to be a rebuilding team, it's heartening to see enough stubbornness from this team to hold on until the end of a game. (This, in contrast, to the loss in week 1 to the Denver Broncos, where they held the lead for virtually the entire game but still lost with a second remaining.)
I think one contrast I noticed today compared to earlier games was how much the tight ends were involved. This resulted in the first passing touchdown to a TE, as well as several catches. I also saw at least one formation where a TE was lined up as a split back. I was really frustrated because I didn't see tight end involvement in the play calling in past weeks. Overall, the Bills did a much better job of spreading the offense around.
Beyond that, the defense did a decent job. I believe they are pretty good in the first half but get worn down with each successive quarter. They've followed this pattern every week.
Although I'm happy to see a win, I'm not looking forward to the inevitable calls for Trent Edwards to replace J.P. Losman at quarterback. It's already starting on the postgame show. Jauron himself says, in his understated way, words to the effect of, "No one's job on the entire football team is secure. We'll play who we want."
Personally, I think the lackluster coaching was at fault for the lack of offense, and J.P. Losman had a point in his post-game comments several weeks ago. (Didn't Lee Evans also echo these same sentiments?) I don't think he's the most accurate passer or the most well-rounded quarterback, but I'm not out for his head or for him to be benched when he's healthy. Off the field, I also think he's made a lot of good moves to become part of the Buffalo community.
Anyway, we'll see what happens.