What's Happening?
The Buffalo Bills are experiencing heightened defensive pressure against their quarterback, Josh Allen, who is facing blitzes on 28.8% of his dropbacks this season, marking a four-year high. This aggressive
defensive strategy has contributed to the team's recent struggles, including back-to-back losses. Despite previous success against blitzes, the Bills' offensive efficiency has declined, with a current EPA per play of 0.224 against blitzes, compared to 0.379 last season. The Atlanta Falcons recently blitzed Allen on 55.9% of his dropbacks, the highest rate since 2021, indicating a trend of increased defensive aggression.
Why It's Important?
The increased blitz rate against Josh Allen is significant as it challenges the Buffalo Bills' offensive strategy and impacts their overall performance. This defensive approach forces the team to adapt and find new solutions to maintain offensive efficiency. The decline in EPA per play against blitzes suggests that opposing teams are successfully disrupting Allen's rhythm, potentially affecting the Bills' playoff prospects. The team's ability to counteract these defensive tactics will be crucial in determining their success in upcoming games.
What's Next?
The Buffalo Bills must strategize to counteract the increased blitz pressure on Josh Allen. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Allen will need to develop effective responses to maintain offensive efficiency. As teams continue to exploit this vulnerability, the Bills' adjustments will be critical in reversing their recent losses and improving their standing in the league. Upcoming games will test the team's adaptability and resilience against aggressive defensive strategies.
