Steelers hand Bills disappointing 23-16 season-opening loss
[News10NBC]
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Buffalo Bills kicked off to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday looking to pick up where they left off in 2020. But, the Steelers handed the Bills a disappointing 23-16 loss.
Buffalo is coming off of its most prolific season since 1995, making it to the AFC Championship game where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The entrance. ??#Bills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/1A5Z8HjwVh
— Jackson Roberts (@WHEC_JRoberts) September 12, 2021
The Bills started off strong as Isaiah McKenzie took it 75-yards on the opening kick.
WOW. Isaiah McKenzie takes it 75-yards on the opening kickoff. Cue #BillsMafia erupting…
— Carly Mascitti (@WHEC_CMascitti) September 12, 2021
#BillsMafia energyyyyyy after Isaiah McKenzie’s 75-yard return on the opening kickoff pic.twitter.com/SM496fuN6B
— Carly Mascitti (@WHEC_CMascitti) September 12, 2021
The Bills defense is also doing pretty good so far.
First two possessions for Pittsburgh: net of 13 yards.
— Jackson Roberts (@WHEC_JRoberts) September 12, 2021
Pretty good start for the #Bills defense.
10-6 Bills in the 3rd quarter.
Steelers on the board after a FG.
— Jackson Roberts (@WHEC_JRoberts) September 12, 2021
10-3 #Bills early in the 3rd.
#Bills defense once again makes the #Steelers settle for three. 20-yard FG makes it 10-6 Buffalo.
— Carly Mascitti (@WHEC_CMascitti) September 12, 2021
Steelers take the lead for the first time in the game.
Ben Roethlisberger to Diontae Johnson in the back left corner of the end zone puts the #Steelers ahead 13-10. The #Bills have been outscored 13-0 in the second half.
— Carly Mascitti (@WHEC_CMascitti) September 12, 2021
And Steelers quickly score another TD.
Things took a turn fast there. #Steelers block the punt and return it 9-yards for a TD. #Bills trail 20-10 with 9:45 to go in game.
— Carly Mascitti (@WHEC_CMascitti) September 12, 2021
Bills respond with a field goal.
It’s a one score game again after Tyler Bass kicks a 25-yd FG. #Steelers 20, #Bills 13
— Carly Mascitti (@WHEC_CMascitti) September 12, 2021
Steelers extend their lead.
45 Yd FG attempt by Chris Boswell is good. Steelers go up by 10 with under 3 mins remaining. #NFL
— Jackson Roberts (@WHEC_JRoberts) September 12, 2021
The Bills with a late-game field goal brings score to 23-16. And that’s the final score. Bills fall to Steelers.
FINAL: #Steelers 23 | #Bills 16
— Jackson Roberts (@WHEC_JRoberts) September 12, 2021
Buffalo visits Miami next week.
The big emphasis in practice has been how the defense is preparing for Pittsburgh under the new Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada.
Bills’ Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier has noted that it’s difficult to scout the unknown. Either way, Bills are up against the Steelers without nose tackle Star Lotulelei, who was ruled inactive for Sunday’s game with a calf injury. It comes after the defensive lineman missed an entire week of practice. With him opting out of last season due to COVID-19 concerns, Lotulelei hasn’t played since December of 2019.
On the offensive side of the ball, veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders’ status was questionable as of Friday and it’s likely he will be a game-time decision. Josh Allen returns for his fourth season following an All-Pro and Pro-Bowl selection in 2020. In his third year, Allen set franchise records in seven different stat categories including passing touchdowns (37).
Today’s inactives.#PITvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/MvFDwnJy2O
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 12, 2021
This marks the first of three home games through the first four weeks of the season for Buffalo.
Follow News10NBC’s Carly Mascitti and Jackson Roberts on Twitter for game day highlights.
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