Jets' blueprint for shocking Bills upset is clearer than you think

The New York Jets didn’t get the result they wanted in Week 1, falling 34-32 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the performance left fans more encouraged than deflated.

Between a resurgent rushing attack, promising flashes from Justin Fields in his debut, and a defense built to create problems for Josh Allen, the Jets' path to an upset in Buffalo is much clearer than it might seem at first glance.

New York’s offense showed in Week 1 that it can control the flow of a game through its rushing attack. Breece Hall exploded for 126 yards from scrimmage, showcasing the same home-run ability that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous backs. The offensive line opened consistent running lanes for Hall.

It’s no coincidence that the Baltimore Ravens had success running the football against Buffalo in Week 1 with a run-heavy formula, piling up 187 rushing yards and dominating time of possession. The Bills' defense struggled mightily against designed runs and QB keepers in Week 1.

That sets the stage for the Jets to lean even harder on their ground game while sprinkling in Justin Fields as a rushing threat. If they control the clock, they control the game.

The Jets can beat the Bills in Week 2 if they control time of possession

Fields' first start in green and white was far from perfect, but he still played very well and showed potential in Week 1. He threw for 218 yards, rushed for 48, and nearly guided the Jets to a late comeback. The key for Week 2 will be composure: avoiding unnecessary risks and letting the run game set the tone.

Fields' ability to extend plays and keep drives alive was one of the biggest takeaways from the opener. Against a Bills defense already exposed by Lamar Jackson’s mobility, that skill could be the X-factor for the Jets. Fields doesn’t need to force big throws — he just needs to manage the offense, pick his spots, and keep the chains moving.

Buffalo’s offense is explosive, but it’s also volatile when Allen is pressured. That’s where the Jets' defensive front comes in. Quinnen Williams remains the centerpiece, and while the defense didn’t dominate Pittsburgh wire-to-wire, it still boasts plenty of talent.

The Ravens played great defense in the first three quarters and forced the Bills to be one-dimensional headed into the fourth. The Jets have the personnel to do the same, especially with a secondary anchored by Sauce Gardner. Disrupting Allen won’t be easy, but it doesn’t have to be constant. A few big stops could tilt momentum.

The Jets don’t need to reinvent themselves to beat the Bills. The blueprint is already there: lean on the run game, let Fields play within himself, and unleash a defensive front capable of forcing Allen into making bad decisions and having the secondary make big plays.

Baltimore just proved that the formula of running the ball works against Buffalo. Now the Jets, encouraged by their Week 1 showing despite the loss, have a chance to execute it themselves. And if they do, don’t be surprised if New York defeats Buffalo with one of Week 2’s biggest statement wins.

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