Things to Watch in the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets 2023 Season Opener

Stefon Diggs, Bills WR, and Sauce Gardner, Jets CB

Things to Watch in the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets 2023 Season Opener | The Wandering Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills kick off the 2023 season on Monday night when they had to New Jersey to take on the rival Jets. After a very long off-season, the boys are finally back. The division seems to have improved this off-season, and the rival Jets have received all kinds of media attention as Super Bowl contenders and potential division winners. We all know who the real kings in the north are. Here are some things I will watch as the Buffalo Bills take on the New York Jets.

Bills Revamped Offensive Line vs. Dangerous Jets Defensive Line:

There was a lot of talk last season, and through this off-season, the Bills are doing a better job keeping Josh Allen clean. Brandon Beane made some moves to not only sure up depth, but also revamp the starting group, but did he do enough? We should get a good glimpse of that right on the gate as the offensive line goes against a dangerous Jets defensive front. Quinnen Williams, an absolute game-wrecker up the middle, leads the group.

Free agent addition Connor McGovern and rookie O’Cyrus Torrence will have their hands full, working with consistent veteran Mitch Morse to minimize his impact. The Jets also have disruptors on the edge in John Franklin-Myers and a pair of first-round picks in Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald. A solid showing for the Bills offensive line will go a long way to build confidence for the season.

Bills’ Defensive Line vs. Vulnerable Jets Offensive Line:

Throughout Brandon Beane’s tenure as the Bills’ GM, there have been few positions that we have seen as many investments in as the defensive line. Even with Von Miller out, the group is still poised to have a good week, going against a suspect and banged-up Jets’ offensive line. Both tackles for the Jets are currently listed as questionable. Becton showed a lot of promise coming out of college but has battled injuries throughout his career. Duane Brown has been a solid tackle throughout his career but is also listed as questionable and is getting up there in age.

In the middle of the line, Alijah Vera-Tucker has looked very good but is also coming from a season-ending injury. What kind of impact will free agent Leonard Floyd have? Will Groot be able to get after Rodgers? How does Oliver look fresh off an extension? Much like the offensive line, a productive first game without Von Miller can get the defensive line off on the right foot.

Battle of the Titans: Sauce vs. Diggs:

One of the biggest matchups to watch this week, and for years to come, is Stefon Diggs vs. reigning defensive rookie of the year Sauce Gardner. Many teams in the league will choose not to throw at Sauce, but not the Bills. Stef Diggs is arguably the Bills’ best player, not named Josh Allen. The team needs to find a way to keep Diggs involved in the game script despite being matched against Sauce. The one knock you could put on Sauce is he tends to be a bit grabby in coverage. The Bills need to be physical and push back against that, and not be afraid to target him. Sauce may be a great cornerback, but our guy is also one of the best receivers in the league.

Is Tre White Back to Vintage Tre?:

Another thing I will be keeping my eye on this game and through the season is what star cornerback Tre White looks like. Tre returned last year coming back from a season-ending ACL injury. While he looked a step slow returning last year, he was hitting his stride again by the end of the season. A healthy Tre White means the world to this defense, and he will see plenty of tough matchups against offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson on Monday night.

What Does the Defense Look Like Under Sean McDermott?:

One of the biggest stories of the off-season was Leslie Frazier taking a step away from the team in what seems to be a mutual decision between he and the team. Was he actually fired? As of now, we don’t know that and maybe never will. We do know that McDermott elected not to replace the position and take the reigns himself. What does the defense look like with McDermott?

What I am hopeful for and think we will see is a more aggressive defense. McDermott made a name for himself as a very aggressive defensive coordinator. I’ve wanted a defense that was a little more aggressive and took some chances to make some stellar plays for the last couple of years. While the Bills have had productive defenses under Frazier, the team has been torched in the playoffs on defense. I think with the potency of the Bills’ offense, the defense can afford to take some risks and be more opportunistic without having to worry about getting beat on a play or two, costing them the game.

What are your thoughts heading into the 2023 season, particularly this match-up with the Jets?

Let us know below.

GO BILLS!

---

Justin Goddard
CO-FOUNDER - CONTENT CREATOR