Josh Allen gets comfortable in Bills' new stadium with TD pass in 29-14 preseason win over Panthers

Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills showcased their new $2.1 billion stadium, just a street away from their former home, during their preseason-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. The team, under new coach Joe Brady following Sean McDermott's departure in January, made history by fielding their starters in their inaugural game within the gleaming new facility.

Quarterback Josh Allen shined in his first competitive outing at the new stadium, connecting with wide receiver Keon Coleman on a 9-yard touchdown pass. Allen's strong arm and ability to scramble were on full display, as he completed 6 of 8 passes for 111 yards. On the key scoring drive, Allen faked a handoff to James Cook before finding Khalil Shakir for a 21-yard gain, setting up Tyler Bass's 33-yard field goal.

The Bills' star receiver DJ Moore, recently acquired in a trade, appeared to limp after an 18-yard catch, raising concerns about a possible injury. However, trainers and a team doctor examined Moore's lower right leg and foot before he returned to the sideline in shorts and running shoes. It remains unclear if Moore would resume playing, as Buffalo's backups took over for the next series.

The Carolina Panthers, making their preseason debut under new starting quarterback Bryce Young, struggled to get going. Young and his teammates combined for just 11 yards on three series. Young finished 3 of 5 for 18 yards, while his primary backup Kenny Pickett threw for 92 yards on three drives spanning halftime. Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask also contributed with a 9-yard touchdown pass to John Metchie in the final minute of the game.

The preseason game also saw Jonathon Brooks make his first competitive appearance since suffering a knee injury early in the 2024 season. The second-round pick from Texas started and rushed for 5 yards and a 9-yard catch. The Bills' stadium debut drew a less-than-capacity crowd, as the Erie County Fair was taking place nearby and many seats remained empty, especially after halftime.

Buffalo's new logo and the word "Bills" were added to each end zone, though they were still waiting to be colored in. The Bills have two more preseason games scheduled, facing the Cleveland Browns on Thursday and hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 27 before their home opener against Detroit on Sept. 17.