Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott consistently emphasizes the importance of complementary football for good reason. This week has been challenging for Bills Mafia, with various perplexing issues affecting the team. Despite expectations of success during the supposedly “easier” part of their schedule, the Bills find themselves at 5-4, facing an identity crisis.
The undeniable truth is that the team’s performance is closely tied to quarterback Josh Allen, particularly when connecting with the highly skilled wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Allen-to-Diggs synergy, initiated by the trade engineered by general manager Brandon Beane, has been a remarkable success. However, the numbers alone, reflecting impressive offensive statistics, fail to capture the full narrative. The lingering question remains: why are the Bills struggling in close games?
Buffalo Bills
Some critics attribute the issue to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, contending that the team was better off before his tenure. However, this perspective oversimplifies the situation. While Allen’s rushing numbers were more robust under a previous coordinator, Dorsey has brought efficiency to the offensive scheme and demonstrated adaptability in tactics. Despite the desire to point fingers, Dorsey is not the root cause of the team’s challenges this season.
Others place the blame on head coach Sean McDermott, citing occasional struggles with game management. However, it’s unlikely that McDermott’s decisions overpower the choices made by Dorsey and Allen on individual plays. Labeling McDermott as a micromanager intentionally sabotaging the team’s offensive success seems disingenuous.
In reality, assigning blame to a specific person or faction is likely impossible. Success in football, like the game itself, relies on a collective effort toward a cohesive plan and shared goals. Many believe that the defense has kept the team in games, giving the offense opportunities for late-game victories. However, both the offense and defense share responsibility for the team’s inconsistent performance.
The Bills’ defense has struggled to create game-changing turnovers in recent games, while the offense has been more generous in handing out possessions. The team’s record in one-score games stands at 2-4, emphasizing the need for improvement in crucial situations. The key issue lies in the failure to commit to complementary football, with turnovers on offense and a lack of turnovers on defense hindering the team’s success.
Despite narratives suggesting the need for significant changes, the solution may be simpler. The Buffalo Bills must prioritize mistake-free football, limiting turnovers on offense and actively seeking turnovers on defense. While this may seem straightforward, it comes with a caveat — playing mistake-free football may limit Josh Allen’s ability to showcase his dynamic playmaking skills. Finding the right balance is crucial to the team’s success, as Allen’s unbridled approach to football often leads to positive outcomes.
In conclusion, the struggles in close games can be attributed to a combination of bad luck and turnovers. To turn their season around, the Buffalo Bills need to commit to complementary football, minimizing mistakes and maximizing opportunities on both sides of the ball.
