While Buffalo Bills fans are still riding high after the wild comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens, the team has turned its attention to this weekend’s matchup with the New York Jets — and head coach Sean McDermott’s message was clear.
“This week needs to be hard,” he said. “It really needs to be hard for us.”
That was a phrase McDermott repeated several times, acknowledging that despite the emotional victory in the opener, there’s plenty to improve, like the defensive performance that allowed the Ravens to run wild much of the night or early offensive struggles that had them in a hole.
“Turning the page,” McDermott said. “We celebrate. I think that part is important because it is hard to win. You have to move forward because the NFL is the NFL for a reason. We have to make sure that we know what we did needs to improve.”
“Just fortunate enough we can come away with a win,” said quarterback Josh Allen. “Now, obviously, that has no bearing or impact on this week’s game whatsoever, so we’ve got to wash it and forget about it and put our best foot forward this week.”
For his part, Allen’s electric performance — more than 400 total yards and four touchdowns — earned him AFC Offensive player of the Week for the 16th time in his career.
There’s also some good news for the Bills on the injury front, as veteran corner Tre’Davious White returned to practice after missing Week 1 with a groin injury.
The Bills and Jets kick off the AFC East divisional slate on Sunday at 1 p.m. in New Jersey.