It’s Too Early To Press The Panic Button: Bills vs. Jets Preview
Writer: Alex James
@AlexxJamess91
Editor: Brandon Caputo
@Caputz13_AGM
Photo Credit: AP/Phelan Ebenhack
I will be the first to admit I was (and still am) stunned with the outcome of the Bills vs. Jaguars game on Sunday. There are an array of excuses loss circulating out there regarding the loss; two key O-linemen out, questionable penalties, and key drops/turnovers at critical times. All the excuses in the world can be used, but when your team only scores 6 points during the game you shouldn’t expect any other outcome.
This article is not a hit piece on the team but rather trying to find reasons for Sunday's unfortunate result. Some statistics need to be addressed, like the 22 yards rushing (excluding Allen’s yards) and how that isn't sufficient for an elite NFL team. Moss did leave the game injured which may have hindered the numbers, but the Bills ground game hasn't been great and we need continue to monitoring it going forward.
Stats Provided by NFL.com
Next, 4 sacks on Allen with a loss of 35 yards total is going to stall any teams offensive drives and which it did last Sunday. Add in 118 yards in penalties & 3 turnovers and this is not a recipe for success in the modern NFL. Adding insult to injury, the loss feels worse when looking at the Jaguars numbers; 218 total yards, 2 for 13 on 3rd down conversions, 1 turnover, and 2 sacks.
Losing to a team with these statistics is gut check felt not only by the team and all Buffalo fans this week. It’s a wake up call, but it’s not time to panic. These issues can be fixed, the fact there happening now instead of late December is critical and will be beneficial in the postseason. There are no individual flaws affecting this Bills team which is a sigh of relief. However the team has to come together and play as a collective to succeed going forward. Team unity and togetherness is the number one factor going forward and will likely influence where this team ends up.
Video Credit: Conch Sports on Youtube via NFL on CBS
As a team and fanbase we can’t look in the rearview mirror at the negatives, but rather focus all attention on the rest of the season. The Bills are visiting the Jets Sunday afternoon in what theoretically should be a bounce back victory and a display of legitimacy amongst the the top teams in the NFL. The keys to the game are simple; give Allen enough time & protection to make plays, show discipline on the field, and find the confidence the team with and displayed during weeks 2-5.
Expect the Bills to really come into this game trying to prove something. Maybe some aggressive play-calling, and risk-taking schemes that if are successful will show the Bills dominance over the Jets. The weather for Sunday is expected to be in the high 40s and overcasted in New Jersey. As of Friday, the Bills injury report is the following; Edmunds (out), Moss (questionable), Diggs/Hughes (did not practice), & Beasley (limited). Knox and S. Brown were full participants in practice Friday and will hopefully be available on Sunday.
Lets hope a large Bills Mafia presence at MetLife Stadium helps the Bills get back on track to becoming Super Bowl contenders they were believed to be earlier in the season.
Prediction
Bills - 27
Jets - 3
Circle The Wagons,
Alex James
Sources: https://www.buffalobills.com/team/injury-report/, www.espn.com, https://www.stadiumforecast.com/football/nfl,