The Bills went into the season opener against Kansas City telling the media and fans they had what it takes to win. When the moment of truth arrived on Sunday, they proved themselves with a stomping 41-7 victory over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Buffalo scored more points than any other first-week match-up (excluding Thursday-night’s kickoff game between Green Bay and New Orleans) and many of the Bills’ players broke personal and team records.
“It’s encouraging. We knew what we had and it’s only one game, but I think it probably surprised some people for us to score that much and it helps to get the turnovers,” said Bills’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. “But it’s one game. We’re ready to move forward and we’re going to enjoy it for a day because I remember how hard it was last year when we lost here, but we’re certainly going to enjoy this one and move on.”
Fitzpatrick matched a personal best with four touchdown passes, connecting on 17-of-26 passes and finished with 208 yards.
“First and foremost we’ve got to thank our defense,” said Fred Jackson, who rushed for 112 yards on 20 carries. “They gave us the ball, they gave us plenty of opportunities on the field today. If we have them playing like that we’ve got to reward them.”
Scott Chandler stepped up his game for the Bills and made five catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
Sunday’s 34-point loss to the Bills marked the 2nd-worst home defeat in Chiefs franchise history. Their only worse defeat came in Week 9 to the Steelers in 1976 when they lost 45-0.
“We were bad,” Chiefs Coach Todd Haley said. “We were bad pretty much from start to finish.”
The Chiefs’players themselves were at a loss to explain the reasons for the outcome. CB Brandon Flowers said, “I can’t tell you exactly what happened.”
“I’m still trying to piece it all together in my mind,” said Chiefs’ safety Jon McGraw.
QB Matt Cassel completed 22-of-36 passes for 119 yards with one touchdown and one interception for the Chiefs.
“We practiced all week and were very disciplined in our responsibilities,” said Bills’ Nick Barnett who had four tackles and a pass breakup. “We had some great calls from coach and we executed. We prepared for what they do the best, when they run the backs out the field, those run and shoot draws. A lot of their game relies on that and we prepared to stop those plays and let our DBs play and they played well.”
The Bills travel home to prepare for the Oakland Raiders in Buffalo’s home opener on Sept. 18.
