Josh Allen welcomes “Bills Mafia” to its new $2.1 billion home with a spectacular 43-yard touchdown
The Bills quarterback scored the first regular-season touchdown at the new Highmark Stadium before connecting with Josh Palmer on a deep pass
Josh Allen needed only one possession to write his name into the history of the Buffalo Bills’ new home. The quarterback capped Buffalo’s opening drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown, becoming the first player to score in a regular-season game at the spectacular new Highmark Stadium.
“Bills Mafia” erupted when Allen crossed the goal line and handed the ball to an official. It was an emotional moment that will live in history, officially marking the beginning of a new chapter for a franchise and fan base that had waited so many years to enjoy its new stadium and it truly turned out incredible.
Josh Allen gives “Bills Mafia” another unforgettable moment
On Buffalo’s next possession, Allen found Josh Palmer completely uncovered behind the Detroit Lions’ defense and delivered a spectacular 43-yard touchdown pass that extended the Bills’ lead to 14-0.
Buffalo entered halftime leading 27-10 after an Allen performance that included four touchdowns: three through the air and one on the ground. The Bills remained in control with a 34-17 lead as the fourth quarter approached.
That dominant performance was interrupted by a concerning injury to D.J. Moore. The receiver landed hard on his left shoulder while diving for a pass in the end zone and remained on the field after the alarming fall, clutching the injured area.
Moore walked to the locker room to undergo X-rays and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game with a shoulder injury. The Bills have not confirmed a fractured collarbone, and the exact severity of the injury remains unknown.
Moore had arrived in Buffalo through a major offseason trade with the Chicago Bears and immediately recorded five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown in his Bills debut. Losing him for an extended period would be a major blow to an offense that acquired him to become one of Allen’s primary targets.
Buffalo defeated Detroit 41-31 to improve to 2-0 and complete a memorable first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium . Allen completed 20 of 31 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, while adding 69 rushing yards and two more scores.
His second rushing touchdown, a powerful reach across the pylon in the fourth quarter, gave him five total touchdowns and sent “Bills Mafia” into one final celebration.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff answered with 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown produced nine receptions for 142 yards and two scores.
The Bills will remain at home for their next two games. Buffalo will host the Los Angeles Chargers on September 27 before welcoming the New England Patriots to the new Highmark Stadium on October 4.
