{
  "id": 8223424,
  "title": "Offenses seem to have an advantage early in the season because defenses aren’t ready to go",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/offenses-seem-to-have-an-advantage-early-in-the-season-because",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T10:01:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/09/18/offenses-seem-to-have-an-advantage-early-in-the-season-because-defenses-arent-ready-to-go"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, delivered a thrilling performance in Week 2 of the NFL season, showcasing their offensive prowess and overcoming defensive deficiencies. The Bills outscored the Detroit Lions 41-31, contributing to a record-breaking points average of 49.4 per game in the opening week. Head coach Todd Bowles attributed the Bills' success to their offensive firepower, stating, \"I can’t (explain it) because typically it’s like the other way — offenses are trying to get going and defenses can be ahead.\" Bowles observed that offensive teams are making plays, while defenses face limitations imposed by the rules and lack of live tackling due to offseason restrictions. The Bills' defense, which ranked No. 1 last year in fewest yards allowed, struggled against Allen and the Bills, with Texans All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. acknowledging the team's need to improve their tackling technique. Despite preseason limitations on padded practices and live tackling, the Bills and other teams are still acclimating to the physical demands of the regular season. Denver's defense, ranked third in fewest points allowed, was overwhelmed by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in a 31-10 loss, highlighting the challenges faced by even the best defensive units. Coaches are emphasizing the necessity for players to enhance their performance, as a single game of subpar effort can prove costly in the competitive NFL landscape.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Buffalo Bills outscore Detroit Lions 41-31 in Week 2",
    "Offenses have advantage early in season due to defenses' inexperience",
    "Bills' defense struggled against Josh Allen and the Bills"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}