Josh Allen Just Made Buffalo’s $2.1 Billion New Playpen Feel Like Home
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — New crib, same Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills’ brand-new $2.1 billion stadium couldn’t make their franchise quarterback uncomfortable even if it tried.
Allen rolled out like he owned the place — because, well, he basically does — and hit Keon Coleman for a 9-yard touchdown in the Bills’ 29-14 preseason-opening win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. It was Buffalo’s first competitive run inside their new digs across the street from the old stadium, and Allen made sure the opening act was one to remember.
It didn’t take long for Allen to get cozy under new head coach Joe Brady, who replaced Sean McDermott in January. On Buffalo’s very first offensive snap, Allen pump-faked the handoff, then launched a 21-yard strike to Khalil Shakir on a crossing route. That drive ended with a Tyler Bass 33-yard field goal. Next drive, Allen got his touchdown and then some.
The stat line? 6-of-8 for 111 yards. Efficient, explosive, effortless.
His touchdown pass was pure Allen: scrambling right, feeling edge pressure, stepping back, then throwing across his body to a wide-open Coleman. You can build a new stadium, but you can’t build a new Josh Allen.
DJ Moore scare
There was one uneasy moment: prized offseason addition DJ Moore came up limping after an 18-yard catch along the left sideline, one play before Coleman scored. Trainers examined his lower right leg and foot, and he later walked the sideline in shorts and running shoes. Buffalo’s backups took over shortly after, so it’s unclear if he could have returned.
Panthers sputter in debut
Carolina’s starters looked like they were playing on a different field. Bryce Young and the first-team offense went three-and-out and mustered just 11 total yards across three series. Young finished 3-of-5 for 18 yards — and he was working behind a revamped line missing Ickey Ekwonu, Taylor Moton, Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Not ideal.
Kenny Pickett provided some second-quarter juice, completing 16-of-19 for 92 yards, including a 6-yard TD to Ja’Seem Reed right before halftime. Kyle Trask tacked on a 9-yard scoring strike to John Metchie in the final minute.
Stadium notes and other vibes
Buffalo’s other touchdowns came on the ground from Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr. in the fourth quarter. Tyler Bass shook off some rust — he missed a 45-yarder wide right but went 3-of-4 overall in his first game back from pelvis and hip issues that cost him all of last season.
Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks made his first competitive appearance in two years, returning from a 2024 knee injury. He ran three times for 5 yards and caught a 9-yard pass.
As for the new stadium itself: a sunny day and the Erie County Fair competing for attention meant the place wasn’t packed — maybe under 75% full early, with even more empty seats after halftime. The midfield buffalo logo isn’t even painted yet. But when Allen’s rolling, nobody’s checking the paint job.
Next up: Buffalo heads to Cleveland for joint practices and an Aug. 22 preseason game. Carolina visits Jacksonville on Friday night.