The Buffalo Bills are preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons on the road for their second away game of the season. The Monday Night Football matchup is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., with both teams wearing throwback uniforms in what will be their 14th meeting.
Buffalo aims to recover from its first loss of the season, which came against New England in Week 5. A win would improve their record to 5-1, a start they have not achieved since 2022. The last time these two teams played was on January 2, 2022, when Buffalo won at home.
Head coach Sean McDermott addressed how the team is approaching this opportunity after a setback. “I’m a big believer in the way you respond, if you’re doing it right, sets you up for your next opportunity … sometimes it’s confidence, sometimes it’s encouragement.” McDermott said. “But at the end of the day, it’s all truth. Truthful in the way of making sure we’re doing what we need to do to improve and grow and play at a higher level.”
McDermott provided an injury update ahead of Monday’s game. Linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (knee) did not practice on Thursday; Milano aggravated his previous injury during Week 5’s game. The team is not opening up the practice window for cornerback Maxwell Hairston, kicker Tyler Bass, or offensive tackle Tylan Grable.
Reflecting on their performance against New England, McDermott noted that coaches and players have focused on communication and reinforcing standards following last week’s loss. “You’re getting a chance to communicate and do some listening … making sure we’re all on the same page with what our standard is and how things are done and what you need to do in terms of what winning habits look like,” he said. “It’s really about process as opposed to results at this point, it’s about how we can make sure that we’re all on the same page with those key areas and core values.”
Wide receiver Keon Coleman had four catches for 23 yards against New England but started with a fumble before scoring later in the game. Quarterback Josh Allen expressed continued trust in Coleman: “I trust 0,” Allen said. “[Coleman is] still continuing to develop that rapport. But for him, late in that game to score a touchdown, [make] a couple big plays for us – the third down jump ball – we’re going to need more of that from him and [it’s] not going to deter me from going his way at all.”
Coleman commented on his role within the team: “I’m a ball player and you can count on me to make plays when they need to be made,” he said.
Running back James Cook carried 15 times for 49 yards last Sunday—his lowest output this season—and struggled to find rhythm as Buffalo failed to score early as consistently as they had previously this year.
Allen emphasized preparation moving forward: “At the end of the day, this is the NFL,” Allen said. “Each and every week has got to be earned and that starts in practice.”
Looking ahead at Atlanta’s offense, Buffalo faces quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has completed nearly two-thirds of his passes so far this season along with three touchdowns through four games; he also adds mobility out of the pocket.
“[Penix Jr.] knows [the offense] like the back of his hand,” McDermott said. “He’s extremely detailed in how he runs their offense and certainly has a great running game to accompany the talents and skills that he brings to the table … I’ll start there; his throwing ability is very impressive, very accurate. He seems to have a great feel for NFL defenses already, which is rare.”
Buffalo will also focus defensive efforts on stopping running back Bijan Robinson—a dual threat who leads Atlanta both rushing (314 yards) and receiving out of backfield (270 yards).
“Big time [dual threat],” McDermott said of Robinson. “He can do it in the run game, the pass game. He plays all downs, which is somewhat rare anymore, and we have a ton of respect for his game.”
