What a way to open a stadium. The Buffalo Bills christened the new Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football, moving to 2-0 behind another monster night from Josh Allen.
Allen torched Detroit for five total touchdowns — three through the air and two on the ground — as the Bills scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Buffalo was a perfect 4-for-4 in the red zone.
James Cook finally broke out, topping 100 rushing yards for the first time this season (134) and punching in a 1-yard touchdown with 2:50 left to put the game away. Allen engineered the eight-play, 61-yard drive with help from a big third-and-7 completion to Keon Coleman and a 16-yard catch-and-run by Khalil Shakir.
The Lions (1-1) wouldn’t go quietly. Jared Goff threw four touchdown passes — two to Amon-Ra St. Brown, including a 27-yarder with 1:42 left — and Detroit cut the deficit to 10 points three times in the second half. But each time, Buffalo answered, and a late three-and-out forced by Deone Walker’s two batted passes sealed it.
The Bills led 27-10 at halftime. Detroit scored on four straight second-half possessions before Buffalo’s defense finally got the stop it needed.
The Bills are 2-0 with a week to savor the first win in their new home.
Next up for the Bills is a clash with the LA Chargers on September 27th at Highmark Stadium.