Rinse; wash; repeat. That’s where we’re at right now when it comes to the Buffalo Bills, Rumblers. While some readers have suspected shenanigans when it comes to the results of our weekly confidence polls,
the numbers actually might put that conspiracy to bed. Are there a few people who might go to rival sites intent on wreaking havoc with results? Sure, it’s possible but how much will a small handful of people really influence numbers?
We could argue about that all day (and maybe some of you will in the comments section), but for the rest of this space, let’s try and make sense of why confidence in this year’s Bills team remains so low. Losses happen, and even with a two-game losing streak, Buffalo may lose additional games in 2025 (don’t worry, no one’s been anywhere near your cornflakes). It’s the reality of a parity-driven league — and a situation magnified when a team had one of the games ultimate players starting at quarterback.
As was the case last week, just 17% of voters remain confident in the direction of the team. Fitting, right? If anyone drives that confidence, it’s quarterback Josh Allen. It’s also true that QB17 isn’t playing his best football right now. That’s meant something to our core of voters who for a month straight now appear firm in their belief that this team isn’t cutting it.
Weeks 4 and 5 saw a steady number of a surprisingly low 61% despite the 4-0 start. That paved the way for the collapse in confidence, which now sits at 17% for the second week in a row.
You’ll never get everyone to agree on what’s wrong, with salary cap spending, to drafting, coaching, roster talent, on-field execution, injuries, and even impossible-to-predict and harder to control things such as momentum and motivation — it’s all in play with voters, and some people may believe it’s all that and several more things holding the team back, which for a few might just include the “where” that One Bills Drive built its empire. To be clear, Allen is struggling, but so much remains dependent on Allen playing perfect football that the slightest lapse in judgement or execution leads to game-changing plays of the negative variety out of Allen.
The wide receivers room needs to step up its consistency beyond Khalil Shakir. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady needs to show capable of scheming around his best players, namely leaning on running back James Cook as a strength within the confines of offensive line play. Yes, that offensive line is more offensive than awesome protecting Allen.
The system seems to rely too much on tight end Dalton Kincaid, and when defenses shut him down or he’s sidelined to injury the passing game stalls. That’s not acceptable for an offense led by Josh Allen. It’s not rocket science, but it sure has the looks of it at times with how difficult the offense makes things appear.
While the defense deserves credit for its efforts in spots, it’s clear there’s a deficiency of talent. Why, especially after so many resources have been spent on that side of the equation? It feels like asking too much for Buffalo’s defense to regularly get stops after being stomped for most of any game. But that’s their job, and they need to play better at all levels of the unit.
The Bills still haven’t made a trade for anyone, and the deadline to do so of November 4 is approaching fast. What can they even do, with around $2 million in available money? Most players who would impact the salary cap have seen their contracts adjusted — at least outside of tight end Dawson Knox and maybe defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.
Yet, will a late-season trade even help? Wide receiver Amari Cooper didn’t make a huge splash with the Bills, but he did draw coverage away from other players. Before him there was cornerback Rasul Douglas, who made huge waves with Buffalo as player who excelled in zone coverage.
Should Beane even make a trade to add a new starting cornerback when the team still hasn’t seen rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston play against anyone other than his teammates? They have no idea what he brings to the table as a starter in the regular season. At this point, are they ready to put him out there, sink or swim? Will acclimating him to the NFL as a man-cover corner prove detrimental to Buffalo’s season? Maybe defensive coordinator Bobby Babich finds reason to move back to zone-heavy looks in ramping up Hairston, should he even suit up this season.
Due to the massive injury list, it’s worth wondering just how much impact any addition can make to the Bills’ defense in 2025. Yet, they can’t sit back and do nothing. Right?
Hopefully Allen goes on a tear, reminding everyone why he won NFL MVP in 2024. Buffalo needs at least that much out of Allen with a defense susceptible to giving away games in the first half or worse.
So. Many. Unknowns. So. Little. Time.
Beyond the team, these poll results should hit home with co-owner Terry Pegula, and possibly the ticket/sales division of the Bills’ front office. It’s the final season at what began life as Rich Stadium, and everyone has huge expectations. Bills Mafia isn’t prepared for things to end in Week 18, nor for Buffalo to take their playoff lives on the road. Right now, however, it’s safe to say, fair or unfair, there’s a lot on Josh Allen’s shoulders to help get this team back on track.
Outside of the fan base (and, yes, those 17% of confident Bills voters) things look much better for Buffalo’s chances. Observers have shown some concern about the team, but long-term confidence remains — suggesting many believe the Bills are again playoff bound. That said, look which AFC team leads the polling as the best team in the conference…
If Brandon Beane’s goal is to build a team capable of defeating the Chiefs in the playoffs, that work needs to pay off in 2025. To be clear, the goal should be to beat the team that waits after Kansas City: Which means building a championship roster capable of taking down any NFC opponent.
So far in 2025, the Bills are 1-1 against the NFC. There’s work to do, and most see the Bills as broken until proven otherwise.
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