Buffalo Bills Pick Up Upset Win In Week 1

When the schedule makers at the National Football League made the Buffalo Bills schedule they really put the screws to them in the first two weeks. First the Bills would have to face the Indianapolis Colts and then they get the defending Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. The Bills handled part one of the nasty duo as they beat the Colts 27-14.

New Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan had his defense on display as they held Andrew Luck to just 243 yards on 49 attempts. Luck threw for two touchdowns, but the Bills also had two interceptions. The Colts running game never got anything going with 17 rushes for 64 yards. The high-powered Colts offense didn’t make a dent on the scoreboard until almost halfway through the third quarter.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor played well in his first start completing 15 of 19 passes including a 51-yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin for the first score of the game.

Ryan must have been proud of the Bills fans as they came out in droves and were loud throughout the game. Earlier in the week Ryan told The Buffalo News that he felt the fans need to be part of the team.

“The Colts are a young team led by a fantastic quarterback. But what I’m taking comfort in is that we’re playing at home. The fans I’ve talked to are as as excited as I am. We have to take it that it’s a personal challenge to our fans, our football team. But our fans as well. The kid has a booming voice but we have to make it miserable. I’m calling our fans out: we need you…. It’s party time when our defense is out there. When our offense is out there, take a breather. Take pride in it. You’re part of that defense. When you play at home, our fans are part of that defense.”

The win was extra special for Rex Ryan as his father, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan, flew in to Buffalo from Kentucky for the game. Buddy recently had a stroke and is also suffering from cancer.

With the upset win, Rex Ryan improved his opening day record to 6-1. The Buffalo Bills have now won two straight season openers. Buffalo fans are hoping that Rex can end their 15-year playoff drought, the longest current streak in the NFL. It may be early, but there seems to be reason for hope in Buffalo.

[Image by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images]