Bills win big over Saints: Ed Oliver feasts on Thanksgiving; Dawson Knox is TD machine (7 observations)

NEW ORLEANS — The Buffalo Bills offense hit some road blocks in the first half, but Josh Allen came out on fire in the 3rd quarter and led his team to a dominant win on Thanksgiving night. The Bills knocked off the Saints, 31-6 to improve to 7-4 on the season.

Despite a pair of turnovers, Allen was able to generate big plays with his arm and his legs. The first interception was a bad decision. He thought he had Stefon Diggs and didn’t get the ball out quick enough. It looked like he knew it was a mistake but had already committed to the throw. Bradley Roby stepped in front of Diggs and picked it off. The second was a bad breakdown on the offensive line and Allen’s arm was hit by a defender. Allen finished with three touchdown passes and a quarterback rating over 100 for just the second time in his last four games.

Here are seven observations from the game.

Ed Oliver feasts again on Thanksgiving

The stat sheet wasn’t as stuffed as when Oliver exploded against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving in 2019, but his game against the Saints was just as impressive. The third-year defensive tackle was in the offensive backfield all game, blowing up run plays and laying the boom on Saints quarterback Trevor Siemian.

It’s amazing how well Oliver can play, especially as a pass rusher, and still have his first solo sack elude him. He got home on Siemian in this one but the scorekeeper only have him half of the sack in a split with Efe Obada. Oliver’s get off overwhelmed whichever Saints offensive lineman lined up in front of him. He even rushed out wide from the edge on one play and flashed his athleticism and bend-ability.

When Oliver’s making big-time plays like this it energizes the defense. The d-line was without Star Lotulelei for a third-straight game, but it didn’t even matter. Veteran Vernon Butler was a healthy scratch and practice squad DTs Eli Ankou and Brandin Bryant were called up and got some snaps in the game.

Dawson Knox, the TD machine, keeps it rolling

Knox had a couple of drops last week after just one in his first seven games of the season. He responded in a big way, catching two touchdowns to bring his season total to seven on the year. He’s now tied with New England’s Hunter Henry for the most touchdowns in the NFL by a tight end. He also broke the Bills’ single-season record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end in just his 9th game of the year.

Knox is used in so many ways. He lines up in the backfield, inline as a blocker on the line, or even out wide 1-on-1 with a cornerback. He’s a matchup nightmare and has become Allen’s second-most reliable target behind Stefon Diggs. He’s a legitimate top tight end and showing why the Bills didn’t have to overpay for one this offseason.

Bills lose Tre’Davious White in the game

White left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and it looked serious after he emerged from the medical tent and looked beside himself as he walked to the locker room before putting a towel over his head. The fear of course is any structural damage to the knee. If he’s forced to miss an extended amount of time the Bills have some depth, but it’ll likely move Cam Lewis into the top outside depth spot behind Levi Wallace and Dane Jackson, who replaced White and finished the game for the Bills. White’s been sensational this season. He’s only allowed 33 receptions on 63 targets and has held quarterbacks targeting him to a passer rating of 60.8. There are probably only two players - Allen and Diggs - who the Bills could afford to lose less.

Stefon Diggs is simply on another level

Diggs was in control all game. He led the Bills with nine targets in the game and caught seven of them for 74 yards. The most impressive one came down in the red one when he put Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in a blender. The route was run to perfection as he put a double move on the corner and got wide open for Allen, who rifled it in to the All Pro receiver. Diggs is open so often that Allen always has a chance for a completion if he can locate him on a play. As the games continue against together defenses - the Patriots are next up - Allen is going to have to continue to find Diggs and let him work.

Dion Dawkins is struggling

Dawkins was arguably the Bills worst offensive lineman in this game. He gave up a number of pressured and was responsible for a scary sack as Carl Granderson came flying around the edge and landed at Allen’s legs to take him out. Dawkins was also beat on Allen’s second interception, allowing the pas rusher to get in and hit his arm. Dawkins has been up and down all season and emphatically has said there have been no lingering effects from a bout with Covid-19 in the summer. But his inconsistent play is a real concern on a line that’s been below average for most of the season. Spencer Brown didn’t play again as he remains on the Covid list. Jon Feliciano is still on injured reserve with the calf injury. Once those tow get back it’ll be interesting to see how the offense is impacted. It’ll be welcome reinforcements as the interior has breakdowns, and those seem to be affecting Allen’s comfort level in the pocket.

Bills give wide receiver Marquez Stevenson his shot

Stevenson got the jersey and Isaiah McKenzie was benched. When the Bills opened Stevenson’s practice window this week and Sean McDermott said nothing was off the table and the rookie could play as soon as today, “Speedy” watch was on. The Bills activated him shortly before the game and he had kick and punt return duties. He looked a bit uncomfortable for most of the night. He even muffed a punt but recovered the fumble to limit the damage. Stevenson’s first NFL game comes just four days after McKenzie fumbled a kick return that led to a Colts touchdown. It’ll be worth watching as the weeks go on to see if Stevenson can keep the job.

Matt Breida gets season-high carries with Zack Moss inactive

Breida was heavily involved early and got the most action he’s had all season. The rushing numbers don’t jump off the page - 9 carries for 26 yards - but he found a way to make a big play once again. He took a short screen pass to the house for the Bills’ final touchdown. The Bills seem to have found a nice combo with Breida and Devin Singletary, who had one of his best runs of the year that set up a touchdown in the second half. He blasted upfield once he spotted the hole and broke a tackle for a 15-yard gain. Moss may be the odd man out moving forward.

Tre’Davious White leaves Thanksgiving game vs. Saints with knee injury (Video)

Bills Mafia creates crazy tailgate scene in New Orleans to kickoff Thanksgiving night

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