Buffalo Rumblings
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...
