In hindsight, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane should have made a stronger effort to enhance the team”s roster before the trade deadline. After expressing disappointment for failing to complete a deal, Beane witnessed his team”s ineffective passing attack exposed in a disappointing 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. This loss was particularly painful for a franchise that had previously dominated their division rival, winning 14 of their last 16 matchups. With a record of 6-3, the Bills have fallen further behind in their quest for a sixth consecutive AFC East title, trailing the division-leading New England Patriots, who hold an 8-2 record and a victory over Buffalo.
It may be unrealistic to expect Josh Allen to quickly rectify his ongoing struggles, which include difficulties in executing deep passes and locating open receivers. The challenges that plagued the Bills after they lost consecutive games to New England and Atlanta have resurfaced, even following a rebound with convincing victories over Carolina and Kansas City. The crux of the problem lies in the Bills” offense struggling to perform when defenses effectively contain running back James Cook. During the game on Sunday, Cook was held to just 53 rushing yards, resulting in the Bills” record dropping to 1-3 when he fails to exceed 100 yards.
Although Allen notched his 30th career game with over 300 passing yards, much of that production came during garbage time. The Bills were scoreless through three quarters, leading Allen to take on too much responsibility, culminating in an interception in the end zone and a lost fumble. Allen acknowledged he needs to improve, a sentiment that has become all too familiar for last year”s NFL MVP. While offensive coordinator Joe Brady deserves scrutiny for an increasingly predictable offense, much of the accountability falls on Beane.
Beane”s attempt to acquire a receiver before the trade deadline highlights his recognition of underestimating the Bills” needs during the offseason. In April, he reacted defensively when questioned about the team”s roster during an appearance on WGR-AM. He justified his decision to invest six of nine draft picks on defense, citing it as the unit with the greatest offseason needs. However, he overstepped by expressing unwavering confidence in Buffalo”s receiving corps. “I don”t get it. We just scored 30 points in a row for eight games. A year ago, I get you guys asking why we don”t have receivers,” Beane remarked, dismissing the notion that the current group was not better than last year”s.
While it is true that the Bills maximized production from a largely unknown group of receivers last season, leading to a 13-4 record and a trip to the AFC Championship, Beane”s faith in the team”s ability to replicate that success without a legitimate deep threat proved misguided. Injuries have also played a significant role, with offseason addition Josh Palmer limited to six games, and tight end Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo”s best option for deep routes, struggling with injuries, including a hamstring setback on Sunday. Additionally, second-year receiver Keon Coleman has not progressed as hoped, posting 24 catches for 218 yards and two touchdowns after an encouraging start to the season.
In terms of special teams, Mitch Wishnowsky had a solid performance in his fifth game with the Bills, averaging 54.3 yards on four punts, with two landing inside Miami”s 20-yard line. This season, in their three losses, the Bills have committed seven turnovers (four interceptions and three fumbles), recorded eight three-and-outs, and converted only 12 of 33 third-down attempts. Backup cornerback Cam Lewis contributed seven tackles to a secondary that was missing starters Christian Benford and Taron Johnson. Although Coleman caught a 35-yard touchdown pass, he finished with only three receptions for 46 yards on eight targets. Kincaid did not return after his injury, and rookie defensive end Landon Jackson sustained a knee injury, further depleting a position group already missing A.J. Epenesa (concussion) and Michael Hoecht, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury last week.
Notably, Allen now holds a career record of 15-22 when he commits a turnover in the second half. Looking ahead, he and the Bills will face Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday in a matchup featuring two of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 draft.
