Are the Buffalo Bills and Ryan Fitzpatrick ready to ascend from the AFC basement?
They sure looked like it against Kansas City on Sunday.
Fitzpatrick threw four touchdowns and Jamaal Charles was held to 56 yards on the ground in the Bills 41-7 victory, silencing the sold out Arrowhead Stadium crowd.
Although it was only Week 1, it's never too early to draw conclusions moving forward for both these clubs.
Here are the five major points to take away from this game that totally surprised everyone:
Ryan Fitzpatrick Is Better Than You Think
For the entirety of his career, Fitzpatrick hasn't been able to shake the "backup" label.
On Sunday, the former seventh-round pick did all he could to make his case as a legitimate starter in the NFL.
He was very comfortable in the pocket and despite a few errant tosses, made the big throws in the Chiefs territory all afternoon.
Chan Gailey has installed a system in Buffalo that establishes the run and spreads the defense allowing Fitzpatrick to get rid of the ball quickly while occasionally taking shots down field.
Fitzpatrick distributes the ball to all his receivers and stunningly found tight end Scott Chandler twice in the end zone.
He isn't nearing the "elite" signal caller status, but to say Fitzpatrick is a weak link for the Bills is definitely incorrect.
The Chiefs Will Struggle If Matt Cassell Doesn't Improve His Accuracy
The Chiefs rushing game wasn't as dynamic as it was last season, but it was effective enough (6.0 yards per carry) to open up the play-action game for Cassell. However, he wasn't accurate on the majority of his throws and often was flustered in the pocket.
Kansas City will definitely rely on their running game in 2011, as they should, but if Cassell doesn't keep teams honest through the air there's no way the Chiefs get back to the playoffs.
It really is as simple as that.
Buffalo's defense is certainly improved from a year ago, but the fact that Dwayne Bowe only had two catches for 17 yards throws up a big red flag for me.
Cassell was a pleasant surprise in 2010, but teams are going to load the box because of Charles and Thomas Jones and he can't have any more games like he did against the Bills.
Buffalo's Offensive Line Isn't As Bad As Advertised
They aren't the Patriots, but the Buffalo Bills offensive line, most namely Demetrius Bell, was very impressive on Sunday.
Tamba Hali led the AFC in sacks last season and on paper, was a huge advantage for Kansas City entering this game.
But Bell stood his ground at the point of attack and Hali had his only sack of the game when he was moved to the other side of the line.
Fitzpatrick was rarely pressured which paved the way for his big afternoon.
That was one of astounding aspects of this blowout.
Fred Jackson didn't have gaping holes to run through but carried the ball 20 times for 112 yards and didn't have many drive-halting negative runs on first and second down.
Leonard Pope in Spot To Shine for Chiefs
Tony Moeaki's season-ending injury is a major blow to the Chiefs offense, without question.
Leonard Pope, the 6'8'' monster tight end is in a position to have a breakout season.
He only had three catches for 24 yards, but flashed yards after the catch ability and wasn't easy to bring to the turf.
Pope doesn't need to be Antonio Gates-like and stretch the defense, he just needs to provide a safety valve for Cassell if he's struggling to move the ball down the field.
I don't expect a Pro Bowl season from Pope, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't become a more integral part of the Chiefs offense in the coming weeks.
It all depends on how Cassell operates behind center in the end.
Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona Juan Miranda Colin Curtis Kevin Russo
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