Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bills fans and fans across the country.
The bye week was fruitful for the Buffalo Bills. Losses by three key AFC foes in the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs now set Buffalo up with a real opportunity to earn the one seed at season’s end. They just have to keep winning.
The last time we saw the Bills in action, they pulled off a 33-30 road win over
the Las Vegas Raiders. Saying “pulled off” against the .500 Raiders team may seem uncomfortable, but that’s what transpired in their 33-30 victory in Week 6.
A game that many felt Buffalo should have had well in hand came down to the wire, thanks in part to a mostly ineffective defense that once again struggled to stop an opponent’s passing attack. It’s become a broken record, this continued discussion about what ails the Bills’ defense. In truth, it’s almost everything related to playing defense.
Even the once-potent pass rush has cooled to a mild simmer more reminiscent of airport wings than your favorite Buffalo hang. Much of that is due to the way teams are playing the defense. Okay, yes, all is not doom and gloom for a 5-1 team that currently shares the lead in the AFC. It’s a long season and with that comes the potential for Buffalo’s defense to put it all together and make something big out of their first year under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Until and unless that happens, success is likely to hinge on the offense being able to score on nearly every drive. Take a step back for a minute though, and ask yourself if you thought the Bills would be 5-1 under rookie head coach Joe Brady? Maybe it’s an easy “yes” simply due to quarterback Josh Allen. Before deciding if that’s the case, consider the rash of injuries on offense, and some turnover-heavy performances.
Then take a minute and reflect on the type of player Greg Rousseau has become, and what’s becoming true of defensive tackle Deone Walker. There are encouraging signs and plenty of tape to prove this team has enough to hang with the big boys. Remember, Josh Allen is one of the game’s most incredible players.
So many fans believe that One Bills Drive should be doing more to pull off an impactful trade. Too much of that discourse fails to realize Buffalo’s current cap situations, which affords them around $4 million in available money. Even if they could finalize a trade for your favorite player, how are they fitting any impactful starter’s current salary on the books?
With that said, how are you feeling about the team? After some time to think things over through the bye week, are you confident in the Bills currently under the direction of Joe Brady and president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane?
Vote now!
