Buffalo Bills Trail New York Giants After Sluggish First Half
Few expected the Buffalo Bills to have any problem with the New York Giants on Sunday night, as they entered the game as 15-point favorites.
Through 30 minutes, though, the Bills have had a surprisingly difficult time with the injury-riddled Giants as they trail 6-0 at halftime.
The biggest takeaway from the first half is how much the Giants have controlled the ball. New York had possession for 18 and a half minutes, compared to 11 and a half for Buffalo. The two teams' offensive stats are relatively similar on paper, but as long as the Giants keep then ball away from the high-octane Bills' offense, that's a decent recipe for success.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen had an inconsistent half by his standards, completing just eight of 17 passes for 87 yards and an interception. What's more concerning than Allen's performance is the fact that he briefly went to the injury tent late in the half. While he returned to the game just a couple plays later, his health will be something to watch for the rest of the game.
At the very least, the Bills have run the ball decently well. They have 55 yards on just nine carries, good for over six yards per attempt. James Cook leads the way with 37 yards on seven carries.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) tries to avoid a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium.
© Mark Konezny, USA TODAY
On the receiving end, Stefon Diggs has been essentially a one man show as he has six receptions for 69 yards on 11 targets. Gabe Davis is the only other player with a reception as he has two catches for 18 yards, but also had a costly fumble early on.
As for defense, the Bills have managed to hold the Giants to 143 yards and eight first downs, but being on the field so much is becoming a problem. Former Bills quarterback Tyron Taylor, starting in place of the injured Daniel Jones, has completed 10 of 15 passes for 117 yards. Saquon Barkley, who is playing in his first game since Week 2 after an ankle injury, has just 23 yards on 16 carries.
The Bills did get a big boost to end the half, as they held the Giants to no points after they got to Buffalo's one-yard line.
Regardless of what happens on the field, by far the biggest concern is the status of running back Damien Harris, who left the game in an ambulance after a frightening neck injury. Harris reportedly has feeling in his extremities as he was taken to the hospital.
The Bills will be on defense to start the second half as they look to claw back into the game.
