Things are not going according to plan for the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 NFL season. After vowing to come back stronger from a disappointing performance in last year’s playoffs, Sean McDermott‘s team is leaving a lot to be desired in offense. Of course, many are pointing their fingers to the head coach and Josh Allen.
The Bills come from an unexpected loss to division rivals New England Patriots, who entered the Week 7 matchup as clear underdogs. Buffalo’s offense got off to a slow start, and when it started to get things going in the fourth quarter, it was too late.
Allen knows his unit is not producing as expected this year, but is not sure why. “I wish I knew the exact answer because we’d have it fixed by now, so I’m going to watch this film and find a way to get there. Our season’s not over, it’s a long season. I know it feels pretty bleak right now, but we’re going to figure it out.”
Sean McDermott dealing with multiple tasks simultaneously
With Leslie Frazier stepping away as the Bills defensive coordinator in the offseason, McDermott decided to take charge of the unit. Therefore, he entered this season facing the challenge of combining his head coaching duties with calling the defensive plays.
But things haven’t been easy so far, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Bills average less than 20 points in their last three games, scoring only 10 first-half points in those matches combined.
Allen’s early interception in Foxborough reflects how much they struggle at the beginning of games. The Bills have also turned the ball over a lot lately, with six turnovers in their last three games. So what is happening with a team that used to be feared for its offensive power?
“I wish I could tell you, Joe. I really do,” McDermott told Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. “We talk about it. We talk about being more detailed. Getting into a rhythm early. Playing complementary football. All three phases working together. We haven’t been able to get into a good rhythm in the first quarter, let’s just start there, right? So, just overall, we’ve got to find the answers there.”
Brian Daboll’s departure to take the reins of the New York Giants last year seemed to take a toll on the Bills. Ken Dorsey is in his second season as the team’s offensive coordinator, yet Buffalo fails to dominate like it did a couple of years ago.
The Bills at risk of losing the AFC East
Tom Brady’s departure from New England in 2020 allowed the Bills take control of the AFC East after years of Patriots’ dominance. But the division looks up for grabs this year, with the Miami Dolphins in pole position.
If the Fins are in this spot, it’s thanks to the impressive start to the season by their offense. In fact, Miami leads all the offense stats in 2023. The Bills managed to stop Tua Tagovailoa and company in Week 4, but they were less consistent than Mike McDaniel’s team since then. The Dolphins are in control of the division with a 5-2 record, whereas the Bills are second with a 4-3 record.
SURVEY Will the Bills offense turn up their level to take control of the division?
Will the Bills offense turn up their level to take control of the division?
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The New York Jets (3-3) weren’t expected to be in the mix following Aaron Rodgers’ early season-ending injury, but the truth is they’re just one win away from matching the Bills’ record. Therefore, it’s the first time in years that so many teams can aspire to win the AFC East. We’ll have to wait and see how the season unfolds.