The Buffalo Bills seem to be a popular choice to be a sleeper team for the upcoming season. Will they live up to the expectation?
You see the pieces they acquired this offseason, and it makes sense. The offense that ranked 30th in total yards in 2018 could see a total of seven new starters once the season kicks off week one against the New York Jets. For fans, that’s exciting. It’s something to look forward to. A new-look offense with players they’ve never gotten to cheer for.
It’s a different story for the defense. While the offense needed an overhaul across the board, the defense stayed virtually the same. Long-time Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams retired, but he’ll be replaced eventually by the ninth overall pick, Ed Oliver. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are back to patrol the secondary, TreDavious White is one of the best up-and-coming corners and the league, and the duo of Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano will haunt teams all season.
The defense won’t be a problem, coming off of a 2018 season ranked second in the league. And don’t mind Daniel Jeremiah failing to rank Buffalo as a top-five defense; Bills fans know what they’ll have in head coach Sean McDermott’s unit.
The success of the season ride-and-dies with the offense. And as of right now, the slipper doesn’t fit.
Buffalo Bills offense isn’t ready for post-season action
Just 14 months ago, general manager Brandon Beane traded up to take Josh Allen. As raw as they come, the selection seemed like a gamble for a quarterback with accuracy issues coming out of Wyoming. After his rookie season, however, Allen showed enough skill at the pro level that there’s optimism in the Bills camp.
An average rookie season from a QB that relies solely on his big arm might spread optimism, but it doesn’t provide a winning formula for year two. And let’s be honest, the overall success on offense needs to run through Allen if Buffalo has any shot at a playoff bid.
Beane did a valiant effort adding pieces around Allen, starting in the backfield. The additions of Frank Gore, T.J. Yeldon, and rookie Devin Singletary are just that: additions. They can take the load off of soon-to-be 31-year-old LeSean McCoy, but their overall role hasn’t been determined. Gore, who turned 36 in May, is still a quality back but it’s unlikely he’ll be featured in any gameplan. The same goes for Yeldon, who never found consistency in Jacksonville, and Henderson, who will need to prove he can be an efficient pass blocker before he ever sees snaps on third downs.
Any addition at tight end was a step in the right direction from Charles Clay. Both Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney, who were drafted in April, were brought in to compete for a starting job with Tyler Kroft, who broke his foot this spring. Kroft hadn’t proven he can carry the load as a feature TE, catching only 42 passes for 404 yards in 2017 when he started all 16 games. Chances are he may lose his spot if Knox impresses during training camp.
Out wide, it’s much of the same story. Returners Zay Jones and Robert Foster are the only two expected to be featured that have a rapport with Allen in the passing attack. John Brown and Cole Beasley have proven they can be solid contributors in the NFL, but is it enough?
Success relies on the offensive line
There is a lot of talent at the skill positions. While there may not be that x-factor you want to see, it’s proven players that know how to move the ball. The primary issue at hand, however, is up front.
Without a good offensive line, you’re not moving the ball. In the passing or rushing game, the five up front are crucial to the success every Sunday. Buffalo’s five haven’t proven to anyone they can help lead their team to the playoffs.
Come week one, there could be four new faces starting up front for Buffalo. Dion Dawkins, who started at left tackle in 2018 in his second season in the league may be the only returning starter. Down the line from left-to-right, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Cody Ford, and Ty Nsekhe are all new faces and likely starters, with the exception of the rookie Ford.
Chemistry needs to be formed up front before Allen, who was sacked 28 times last year, can take the next step forward as a pro. And until he does, Buffalo won’t be taking the white carriage to the postseason.
Tyler Olson is a writer for PFN covering the Buffalo Bills and AFC East. You can follow him @to2471 on Twitter.