ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — New Buffalo Bills stadium. Same Josh Allen.

Allen displayed his familiar strong arm and elusive scrambling abilities on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman in the Bills’ 29-14 preseason-opening win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.

The outing was the Bills’ first competitive game in their new $2.1 billion stadium built across the street from the team’s former home.

It was also their first outing under new coach Joe Brady, who replaced Sean McDermott in January, and elected to play his starters to get accustomed to their new digs and coaching staff. Brady was offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers from 2020 to 2021.

The Bills appear to have avoided a scare when receiver DJ Moore, the team’s prized offseason trade acquisition, came up limping after an 18-yard catch along the left sideline.

Trainers and a team doctor focused on examining Moore’s lower right leg and foot before the player put back on his shoe. Moore finished the game on the sideline in shorts and running shoes.

Carolina’s first-round pick in the 2018 draft out of Maryland, Moore spent his first five seasons with the Panthers before being traded to the Bears in March 2023.  

Bryce Young and the Panthers starters, meantime, sputtered in their preseason debut after sitting out Carolina’s 33-30 win over Arizona in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6.

The Panthers went three-and-out and combined for 11 yards on three series with Young under center. Young finished 3 of 5 for 18 yards. He played in front of a revamped line with both projected starting tackles Ickey Ekwonu (knee) and Taylor Moton (blood clot/lung) sidelined. Carolina also held out both starting guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis.

Young’s primary backup Kenny Pickett closed the first half with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Seem Reed. Pickett finished 16 of 19 for 92 yards on three drives spanning halftime. Kyle Trask mopped up and competed a 9-yard TD pass to John Metchie in the final minute.

Brooks’ first appearance in two years

With Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard nursing a hamstring injury, Jonathon Brooks started in his first competitive setting since being sidelined by a knee injury three games into his rookie season in 2024. Brooks, a second-round pick out of Texas, had three carries for 5 yards, and also had a 9-yard catch.

Up next

Panthers: At Jacksonville on Friday night.

Bills: Travel to Cleveland for joint scrimmage on Thursday and preseason game on Aug. 22.