The Bills have real work to do if they hope to exit Week 9 with a win
Those expecting an easy day for the Buffalo Bills are likely shaking their heads at halftime, thanks to a mostly listless performance against the Miami Dolphins. At the break, the Bills trail the Dolphins 10-6.
Buffalo saw three touchdowns wiped out due to negative plays. Dropped passes by rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman and running back James Cook were certain scores, and Coleman’s error led to quarterback Josh Allen’s second interception of season — this time mere steps from the end zone. With time running out in the half, Allen broke free for a long touchdown run, only for it to be called back by a second offensive holding call in as many plays.
If you’re keeping count: Three red zone trips, zero touchdowns. Thankfully the Bills’ special teams units showed up to play today, because too many players elsewhere look as though they’re sleepwalking through a walk in the park.
The game announcers continuously mention how efficient quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Allen are playing, but it’s not the sort of efficiency that’s led to impressive production. Allen is 12-of-19 for 79 yards and that one interception through 30 minutes of play. While some may see those as efficient numbers, the yards are terrible. This team misses wide receiver Amari Cooper.
The Dolphins are surprisingly daring Allen to beat them through the air. But too often Bills receivers and the offensive line have hung Allen out to dry. Surprisingly, Allen’s best plays have come from his legs, but it hasn’t been enough to overcome the team-wide mistakes.
Buffalo has almost no answer on defense for Miami’s rushing attack. When the Dolphins chose to run it down the Bills’ throat in the second quarter, it led to a long touchdown drive that silenced the home crowd.
The Buffalo Bills aren’t playing good football this afternoon. While it may be true that the Miami Dolphins see today’s game like they might a Super Bowl, the Bills need to realize what’s in store with a loss. Hopefully head coach Sean McDermott has a plan to help turn the second half around. It’s going to take a significant number of shifts by offensive coordinator Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.
Here’s your second-half thread for the remainder of today’s game. As always, be kind to one another and in all things… Go Bills!