Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, offensive coordinator Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich breakdown how new additions DE Joey Bosa, CB Dorian Strong and TE Jackson Hawes contributed to the team's 41-40 comeback win over Baltimore.
Bosa 'played his tail off'
DE Joey Bosa had a solid debut as a Buffalo Bill, generating multiple pressures and forcing a fumble in the second quarter. The Bills' coaching staff was impressed with Bosa's motor and his ability to adapt to the style of play.
"Joey Bosa played his tail off and played his tail off, plays hard, very intentional," DC Bobby Babich said. "He wants to be really good."
On the Ravens' first series of the game, it was the combination of Bosa and DE Greg Rousseau pushing the pocket back that gave DT Ed Oliver enough time to shed his block and sack QB Lamar Jackson.
"He was rushing really well yesterday. It's too bad he didn't end up with a sack, but he affected the passer, that's for sure," Babich said.
Bosa played in 35 of 53 defensive snaps (69%). It's an encouraging sign that the veteran edge rusher logged that many snaps in his first game with a new team. Still, the Bills plan to evaluate Bosa's target snap range on a weekly basis, and it could fluctuate depending on the matchup.
"We'll probably pull that down a little bit, probably but it's the first game. It was only 53 (total) plays," Babich added. "We'll make sure we know where Joey's at physically, and make sure we kind of target exactly where we want it."
Dorian Strong earns first career start
With the Bills dealing with injuries at their cornerback two position, they leaned on sixth-round rookie draft pick Dorian Strong to fill the hole. Strong started opposite Christian Benford and play every defensive snap.
Strong shook off an early defensive holding penalty; Next Gen Stats tracked Strong having only allowed one reception when lined up in man coverage, a mesh route that crossed him up and gave Zay Flowers a free release.
Head coach Sean McDermott said he was impressed by how hard Strong played, praising his effort to take a good angle on Derrick Henry's 49-yard run in the second quarter and keep the RB from scoring.
"You don't see a lot of corners finishing off that play, especially when it's one on one with Derrick Henry," McDermott said.
Babich praised Strong for how he handled the week and his mental preparation. It's a huge spot for a rookie to come into in his first NFL game.
"He did not blink. He went out there, did not flinch, challenged. Certainly, there's some things he's got to improve on, but that was one of the highlights, is the way Dorian played. That's credit to him and his preparation," Babich shared.
Hawes hauls it in
OC Joe Brady described TE Jackson Hawes as "one of the best blocking tight ends" he's evaluated leading up to the Week 1 tilt against the Ravens. Not only did Hawes flash his blocking ability in the comeback win, but he also helped continue the rally with his first career NFL reception.
After the Bills recovered the Derrick Henry fumble while trailing 40-32, Allen connected with Hawes on a 29-yard pass up the seam of the Ravens' defense to get down to the 1-yard line that Allen punched in shortly after.
Replays showed the rookie juggling but securing the ball as he went to the ground — an impressive display of concentration.
"Josh was just on target. It was incredible throw and 'Hawsey' to be able to make his first NFL catch. Caught it like three times, but found a way to get it done," Brady laughed.
Hawes saw the field on 19% of the team's offensive plays and it could've been more had the score been closer in the middle part of the game.
"The way the second half was kind of going, we were living in 11 personnel a lot," Brady shared.
As Buffalo mounted its comeback, Brady felt more comfortable diversifying his personnel. On Hawes' lone reception, the Bills had Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and the rookie Hawes all lined up for 13 personnel.
"(The fumble) kind of give us a breather of, hey, let's get into 13 and see if we can take advantage of a seam throw," Brady said.
Take an exclusive look at the best 50 photos from the Buffalo Bills 41-40 win against the Baltimore Ravens on September 7th, 2025.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, August 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, August 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, Regular Season, September 07, 2025 at Highmark Stadium.
