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Buffalo Sports News

Why The Bills Offense Is Still Yet To Reach Its Full Potential

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Bills offense

Over the last two games, the Buffalo offense has scored 40+ points. The Bills fell 44-42 to the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles in Week 14. They followed that up with a convincing 48-42 win in Detroit over the Lions. Josh Allen all but solidified his case as the 2024 NFL MVP, but the ultimate goal is still winning the Super Bowl.

Allen scored six touchdowns against the Rams (3 rushing, 3 passing). He notched another four touchdowns and 400 yards of offense on his own in the definitive victory over the NFC-leading Lions. The Bills were ahead all game, including 35-21 after three quarters and 45-28 with just under 12 minutes of play left in the fourth quarter.

The Bills offense is playing its best ball at the perfect time of the year. Teams want to be well-oiled before gearing up for a playoff run. Even with the offensive outbursts over the last month, Buffalo’s offense is still capable of a lot more.

Why The Bills Offense Is Still Yet To Reach Its Full Potential

A Revolving Door All Season

After Joe Brady took over playcalling duties last season, the Bills offense clicked. It blended the rushing attack with the passing attack instead of force-feeding one or two stars in the passing game. Brady also helped balance out the rush/pass ratio instead of heavily relying on Allen and his arm through the air.

Stefon Diggs was shipped to the Houston Texans in the off-season. The approach pivoted to finding the open receiver, even if it meant checking it down to James Cook or Ty Johnson out of the backfield. Rookie back Ray Davis has produced when on the field, seamlessly fitting into the altered scheme.

One problem that fully prevented Buffalo from reaching its full potential was a litany of injuries. Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, and Dalton Kincaid entered the year as the primary pass catchers. Dawson Knox has been a reliable option. The need to open up the offense a bit more necessitated a trade for Amari Cooper in Week 6.

Each player missed time at various points this year. The Bills have had a top-five offense all year but haven’t been able to enjoy the full complement of its weapons. All six skill players were on the field in the thrilling win over the Lions in Week 15.

The Sky Is The Limit For The Buffalo Offense

Prior to Week 15, Allen and Brady have had the top six passing options in only three games this year. Mack Hollins (24 receptions, 295 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Ty Johnson (275 yards receiving, 4 total touchdowns) have stepped up when needed, but Buffalo primarily relies on Shakir, Coleman, Cooper, Knox, Kincaid, and Cook.

Coleman missed the last four weeks but returned against Detroit. Kincaid missed the last three games but was active. In the three games with all six top options in the lineup, the Bills have eaten more than Joey Chestnut gobbling up Nathan’s hot dogs.

  • Week 7 – 34-10 win over Tennesse – 389 yards total offense, 9.3 yards per pass, 7.2 average gain per play (Keon Coleman – 4 receptions, 125 yards; Amari Cooper – 4 receptions, 66 yards, touchdown; Khalil Shakir -7 receptions, 65 yards)
  • Week 8 – 31-10 win in Seattle -445 total yards; 8.0 yards per pass, 6.4 average gain per play (Coleman – 5 receptions, 70 yards, touchdown; Shakir – 9 receptions, 107 yards; Cook – 111 yards, 2 touchdowns on 17 carries)
  • Week 15 – 48-42 win in Detroit – 559 total yards; 10.6 yards per pass; 8.2 average gain per play (Ty Johnson – 5 receptions, 114 yards; Co0k – 114 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns)

When the offense has all of its weapons, Cook and Davis can take advantage of man coverage and safeties playing deep. Allen has taken over the last two games at will as well due to having so many dangerous variables available on offense.

Sharing The Credit

The defense has also stepped up despite injuries to key players (Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano), allowing 22.1 points per game (12th in the NFL). Buffalo’s strength is obviously its offense, but the bend-but-don’t-break defense helped lead the Bills to an 11-3 mark.

When a team is clicking in all three phases of the game, you get results like Buffalo put up against the Rams, Lions, and in its other 30+ point wins.

The New England Patriots and New York Jets are next in line to try to stop Allen and the hard-charging Bills offense. Schedule makers moved the Week 16 showdown between the visiting Patriots and Bills to 4:25 p.m. The rest of the AFC will have to take notice if they hope to knock Buffalo out of the postseason.

Main Image: Kimberly P. Mitchell – USA Today Sports

The post Why The Bills Offense Is Still Yet To Reach Its Full Potential appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.