Wandering Thoughts From Week One

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Let’s get in our feelings, Bills fans. There are plenty of topics to get to from a roller coaster win over Arizona and then it’s no rest for the wicked, Buffalo takes on Miami on Thursday. Sick.

There were some real sticking points to brush up on, since Week One is the best way to overreact, right?

JOSH ALLEN IS GONNA GIVE US ALL HEART ATTACKS
This might not be an overreaction. Air Allen made a Week One appearance against Arizona, allowing Budda Baker to join the rather large roster of The School of Getting Vaulted by Joshua Patrick Allen. However, after the gravity-defying touchdown, Allen was seen getting his left hand taped up and reportedly there was imaging done on the hand as well. Allen is cleared to play, which means he avoided major injury.
Even Allen himself is becoming more aware of the luck on his side when he goes airborne: “The first rushing touchdown, I kind of lowered the shoulder, knowing that was a corner. Second time, I knew it was Budda, and Budda's a good player and he'll lay the boom on you. So, I decided to go up and over, but probably can't make a living doing that, but here we are.”
Allen has made a living making the unreal seem common, and a damn good living doing so. However, those comments from Allen mark that he will someday make that decision to fly, and it becomes more of an educated wish instead of his usual schtick.

TAKE THAT, XAVIER WORTHY STANS
Okay, this one might be a bit of spite and pettiness but it's going on here.
Everyone that freaked out about Kansas City's rookie wideout forgot that Bills rookie Keon Coleman still had to play his first career NFL game. While he was left out of the end zone, Coleman clearly looked like he belonged as a key piece of Buffalo's offense. While one game does not make a career, it sure helps when the 33rd overall pick put up a solid stat line - 4 receptions for a team-high 51 yards.
Bills fans will have to deal with the Worthy narrative for a long time, but as long as Coleman also puts up plays like the 50/50 ball he brought in, it won't matter.

THE DEFENSE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM
It didn't look good in the first half, that's for sure. But rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated. The Bills limited Arizona's passing game from the big play element, even if Kyler Murray's scrambling was keeping Buffalo on the field for long drives. Buffalo does need to figure it out on 3rd downs, Arizona finished 7-of-13.
After watching the game, there should be some legitimate concerns. At safety, Taylor Rapp appears to be far more aggressive than he needs to be. At linebacker, it is noteworthy how often Arizona picked on the middle to the defense through the air. Matt Milano will be missed. On the defensive line, Ed Oliver was very quiet, you'd like to see more from a player who looks like an emerging star potential.
The cornerbacks are still perfect, but get well soon, Taron Johnson. Also....

GREG ROUSSEAU ALL-PRO SEASON INCOMING
Too soon? Okay, fine.
Greg Rousseau had an opening day, though. Three sacks, a forced fumble and plenty of his usual run support. Rousseau was a major factor in turning the game around in Buffalo's favor and allowed them to take a lead they would never relinquish.
The pass rush was a major question coming into the season, as Leonard Floyd and his 10.5 sacks left in the offseason. Many eyes turned to Rousseau potentially stepping up as a factor. If he can keep up this kind of havoc, fans will be very excited for the 2021 first round pick.

RUN HEAVY TEAM?!?!
It might be too soon to say that offensive coordinator Joe Brady will favor a run-heavy style, but Josh Allen had five total pass attempts in the first half. It doesn't make one feel good about the ratio, that's for sure.
However, Arizona was susceptible to the run game and Buffalo had a lot of success with James Cook on first downs in this game.
That said, don't keep the ball away from your alien QB for too long there, Mr. Brady. The fans will get restless and it will be warranted.

The Bills won't get much rest, but we'll have a good sense of the season's start before we even get to the weekend.