In their first Monday Night Football game since 2008, the Buffalo Bills came out with a creative approach on their opening drive. Quarterback Derek Anderson’s flea flicker to Lesean McCoy, followed by a flip to Zay Jones nearly resulted in a deep touchdown targeted to Charles Clay.
Besides the flea flicker, McCoy was the Bills most active player in their offense, carrying the ball eight times and receiving twice for a total of 40 yards.
On the Patriots’ side of the ball, wide receiver Josh Gordon started on the opening drive, despite reports of tardiness prior to kickoff. His production was minimal, as the majority of the load was carried by wide receiver Julian Edelman recording 68 yards on just six receptions.
However, the highest scorer of the first half, kicker Stephen Gostkowski became the 10th active NFL player to cross the 1,000 point mark.
The score is 9-3 New England heading into the second half.
During halftime, the Buffalo Bills announced the official retirement of number 34, worn by legendary running back Thurman Thomas.
For many fans, this jersey retirement was long overdue. 18 years ago, Thomas decided to hang up his cleats. Throughout his 12 years as a Buffalo Bill, Thomas recorded 2,877 rushing yards, 65 rushing touchdowns and 22 receiving touchdowns.
Thomas will join fellow teammates, Jim Kelly and Bruce Smith, as the only Buffalo Bills to have their jersey retired by the team. Effectively taking numbers 12, 78 and now 34 off the board, for good.
For Thomas, his number 34 is now retired from every stage of his playing career.
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