ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — If Buffalo’s new home is going to be remembered as “The House That Allen Built,” Josh Allen wasted no time making himself at home.
The Bills’ franchise quarterback delivered a spectacular opening act Thursday night, accounting for five touchdowns as Buffalo defeated the Detroit Lions 41-31 in the first regular-season game played at the newly opened Highmark Stadium.
Allen threw for three touchdowns and added two more on the ground, continuing his torrid start to the season after producing four touchdowns in Buffalo’s season-opening victory over Houston.
The $2.1 billion stadium officially opened last month across the street from the Bills’ former home, but Thursday marked its first regular-season test.
Allen made sure the occasion would be memorable.
Following a pregame fireworks celebration, the quarterback created plenty of fireworks of his own. Buffalo scored touchdowns on each of its first four possessions, quickly turning the highly anticipated stadium debut into a showcase for its franchise quarterback.
Allen scored the building’s first regular-season touchdown with a 1-yard keeper 5:51 into the opening quarter.
He followed that with a perfectly executed 43-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Josh Palmer, putting Buffalo firmly in control.
Dalton Kincaid added a 16-yard touchdown reception, while Dawson Knox caught a 1-yard scoring pass as the Bills continued piling up points in the first half.
Allen finished the night 20 of 31 passing for 248 yards while adding 72 rushing yards.
James Cook provided the finishing touch on the ground, rushing for 134 yards and sealing the victory with a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:50 remaining.
Allen’s two rushing touchdowns also added another milestone to an already impressive night. He now has 83 career rushing touchdowns, tying Hall of Fame running back Jim Taylor for 18th on the NFL’s all-time list.
The victory was also the 90th regular-season win of Allen’s career, making him one of only four quarterbacks to reach that mark during his first nine NFL seasons.
Lions Rally, But Cannot Complete Comeback
Detroit refused to go quietly.
After falling behind 21-0, the Lions mounted a comeback that briefly made the game competitive. Jared Goff and the Detroit offense eventually cut Buffalo’s advantage to 34-24, but the rally stalled in the fourth quarter.
Pinned at their own 10-yard line, Detroit went three-and-out on a crucial possession.
Two Goff passes were tipped by Deone Walker, while Jahmyr Gibbs was stopped for no gain, forcing the Lions to punt and giving Buffalo another opportunity to control the game.
Goff finished 26 of 38 for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown was his primary weapon, catching nine passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Gibbs also found the end zone on an 11-yard reception but was held to 52 yards rushing. Sam LaPorta added a 1-yard touchdown reception.
St. Brown and Gibbs made NFL history of sorts with their latest scoring performance. They have now both scored touchdowns in the same game 22 times, tying the Cleveland combination of Paul Warfield and Leroy Kelly for fourth-most such games by a receiver-running back duo.
Detroit Defense Struggles Early
The Lions’ defense had difficulty slowing Buffalo from the opening whistle.
The Bills produced 299 yards and 27 points in the first half alone, exposing some of the same defensive problems that surfaced during Detroit’s season opener against New Orleans.
Detroit led that game 21-0 before the Saints rallied, ultimately losing in overtime after failing to convert a two-point attempt.
Against Buffalo, the Lions once again found themselves in an early hole.
One of the biggest breakdowns came on Buffalo’s second possession. Two Detroit defenders closed in on DJ Moore in the flat, leaving Palmer uncovered downfield. Allen immediately found him for the 43-yard touchdown.
Detroit also had an interception erased by penalty. Skyler Gill-Howard appeared to come away with a tipped pass, but a holding penalty against Rock Ya-Sin wiped out the takeaway.
The Lions also struggled offensively early. Goff was sacked twice, while a bad snap sailed over his head during Detroit’s first two possessions.
The offensive line was already shorthanded entering the game, with Blake Miller sidelined by a knee injury and Christian Mahogany unavailable because of a hip injury.
Injuries Add to Both Teams’ Concerns
Detroit lost defensive back Avonte Maddox after he injured his right foot during a three-player collision in the end zone in the second quarter. He did not return.
Buffalo entered the game without starting defensive lineman Ed Oliver, who was ruled out after suffering a hip injury during pregame warmups. The Bills were left with only four healthy defensive linemen.
Buffalo also lost DJ Moore, who was ruled out after suffering shoulder and head injuries when Ya-Sin landed on him while attempting to make a catch in the end zone.
Despite the injuries, Buffalo maintained control and finished off a memorable first night at its new stadium.
Allen’s five-touchdown performance provided the headline, while Cook’s 134 rushing yards and a defense that made enough plays late allowed the Bills to withstand Detroit’s comeback attempt.
For Buffalo, the new stadium now has its first regular-season victory—and its first signature Josh Allen performance.
Up Next:
Lions: Detroit returns home to host the New York Jets on Sept. 27.
Bills: Buffalo remains home and will welcome the New England Patriots on Sept. 27.
