Josh Allen’s 3-Word Message After Thrilling Bills Victory
The Buffalo Bills are coming down after a thrilling, close victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 7. It was really a stunning comeback and one that seemed so impossible that a lot of the fans on the field left the game early. But, the Bills didn’t leave the field, and they fought up until the very last minute, which resulted in a close, 41-40 victory on home turf.
Every single member of the Buffalo Bills’ squad was important to this one, but if we had to pick one player who really led the victory, of course, it’s MVP-winning quarterback Josh Allen. Fans who stayed until the very end of the game got to witness history, with the Bills pulling off a last-minute win over the Ravens and Allen being all smiles after the clock went down to zero.
After the game, Allen spoke with the media and told people who had left the game early to think twice next time. Speaking with a reporter on the field, he said, “I think there are people who left the stadium. That’s okay. We’ll be fine. But, have some faith next time.” So, yes, have some faith and stay next time, although it was getting pretty late, so it’s understandable that some people decided to cut their losses and go home.
Josh Allen Sends Heartfelt Message to Buffalo Bills Teammates
Once in the locker room, Allen had another message, but this one was to his teammates. He talked about how proud he is of his team and gushed over the season opener.
“Love you all,” Allen said. In full context, he said, “There’s no … quit in this team. Love you all, boys.”
Head coach Sean McDermott also had some words for his team. He praised them for their fight and drive during the game. It was obviously he couldn’t have been more proud of how they played.
“Listen, as a coach, man, you always look for a win like this early in the year when you’re trying to bring a team together,” McDermott said during his speech. “You guys just showed me what’s in here. This is a football team right here. It is early in the season but you never stopped playing. New faces in this locker room, you never stopped playing. You kept playing for one another. Now where’s Matt Prater?”
McDermott added regarding Prater, ‘This guy’s legs, first of all he’s almost as old as I am and his legs are smaller than mine but we are so proud to have you in Buffalo. On that kick right there, welcome to Buffalo.”
Buffalo Bills Face New York Jets Next
Next up, the Bills will take on the New York Jets on Sunday, September 14. It’s a familiar opponent, but now, the Jets have a new head coach in Aaron Glenn, formerly of the Detroit Lions.
The Jets narrowly lost in their opening game to the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend, 32-34, so they’ll be hungry for a win. But, the Bills will be motivated to keep their streak going after this comeback game.
Inactives list reveals crushing loss for Steelers defense vs Jets
The Pittsburgh Steelers came away from the preseason mostly healthy, though the injury report throughout the week leading up to the season opener certainly wasn’t empty. The most notable name on the list in danger of missing the contest against the New York Jets was edge rusher Nick Herbig.
Herbig suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason finale. The injury was never described as serious, but hamstring injuries are always tricky. Herbig was listed as a limited practice participant throughout the week, leaving his status for Week 1 up in the air.
As Sundays' inactives rolled in throughout the league, Herbig was listed among them. Herbig won't suit up for the Steelers as Pittsburgh’s front looks to send pressure at ex-Steelers quarterback Justin Fields.
Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush goes without Nick Herbig for season opener
Herbig will have to wait to revise his role as a rotational pass rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, though, it's understandable considering the fickle nature of hamstrings. The Steelers may feel comfortable letting Herbig rest his hamstring since the Jets will likely be relying heavily on the ground game.
Still, the Steelers will be missing out on key depth on the edge without Herbig. Heading into his third season out of Wisconsin, Herbig has proven himself to be a strong situational pass rusher with 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons, as well as six forced fumbles.
Without Herbig, the Steelers' only other active reserve edge backer will be fourth-round rookie Jack Sawyer, who had his struggles as a pass rusher during his first preseason. It seemed the Steelers somewhat tipped Herbig’s availability for the season opener by not elevating DeMarvin Leal from the practice squad to provide depth, but that ended up not being the case.
READ MORE: Steelers’ Week 1 game could hinge on stopping these 5 Jets
Again, the Steelers' pass rush likely won’t have a ton of opportunities to get after Fields in the passing game anyway. New York is expected to lean on their ground game behind running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, as well as Fields. Still, when Fields does drop back to pass, he’ll do so without much experience at offensive tackle.
Left tackle Olu Foshanu is entering his second season. He allowed just one sack and 23 pressures in his rookie season. Rookie right tackle Armound Membou didn’t allow a single sack last year for Missouri, but he’ll be facing Watt on most plays, a tough draw for the rookie’s debut. Membou will be at a further disadvantage without Alijah Vera-Tucker next to him at guard, as he was lost for the season to a torn tricep.
