Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills have dropped back-to-back games after starting the new season with a 4-0 record. This time, it was a 24-14 loss on Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills now hold a 4-2 record and find themselves in second place in the AFC East behind the New England Patriots. It was ugly both offensively and defensively, and the team has plenty of issues to address as they enter the bye week.
Entering Week 6, Buffalo dealt with key injuries on both sides of the ball. On offense, both wide receiver Curtis Samuel and tight end Dalton Kincaid were unable to suit up for Monday Night Football. On defense, linebacker Matt Milano was unable to play due to re-aggravating his pectoral injury in Week 5. Then, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones hurt his calf in pregame warmups.
If you’re interested in seeing the full inactive list, check it out here.
D.Dawkins T 57 – 100%
D.Edwards G 57 – 100%
O.Torrence G 57 – 100%
S.Brown T 57 – 100%
J.Allen QB 57 – 100%
C.McGovern G 56 – 98%
K.Coleman WR 49 – 86%
D.Knox TE 46 – 81%
K.Shakir WR 34 – 60%
J.Hawes TE 31 – 54%
J.Cook RB 30 – 53%
T.Shavers WR 28 – 49%
Ty.Johnson RB 24 – 42%
R.Gilliam FB 21 – 37%
E.Moore WR 14 – 25%
J.Palmer WR 6 – 11%
R.Davis RB 2 – 4%
A.Anderson T 1 – 2%
This was the first time all season that the Bills rolled with just two tight ends, Dawson Knox (81%) and Jackson Hawes (54%). Knox hauled in a 19-yard touchdown on Buffalo’s opening possession but was targeted just once for the rest of the game. Quarterback Josh Allen (100%) had little-to-no protection on Monday night, which led to costly mistakes, particularly two interceptions and four sacks taken. Allen has flashed his usual heroics here and there, but the play calling, coupled with the lack of the roster’s pass-catching prowess, has made things about 10 times harder for the reigning NFL MVP just six weeks into the season.
Not a single Bills’ pass-catcher hauled in more than three receptions, as Allen completed only 15 passes, his lowest mark since 2023. A small positive, however, is that wideout Joshua Palmer (11%) finally flashed his deep-ball capabilities, hauling in two receptions for 60 yards, including a 45-yard catch on the Bills’ first play of the game. Keon Coleman (86%) led all pass-catchers in snaps and targets, but finished with a disappointing three receptions for 11 yards. Whether it’s Allen forcing it or offensive coordinator Joe Brady calling it, the classic “throw it up to Keon and hope he comes down with it” philosophy on key downs is not working.
While Buffalo was playing from behind the whole game, the misuse of running back James Cook (53%) was a bit egregious. The 26-year-old averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 17 carries, which is great. However,...
