Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills suffered a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday. Now they must avoid dropping two in a row by coming away with a “W” in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. The same as last weekend, quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills will play in front of a national audience as the early game for Week 7 of Monday Night Football on ESPN. Will it be more of the same on the field?
Although not a home game in Orchard Park, NY, it may be the next best thing. Why? The Falcons play in a dome, which may play to Allen and the offense’s overall passing strengths. Here are a few reasons to believe that may be true, and also some cautionary notes…
In two back-to-back road games against the Los Angeles Rams (loss) and Detroit Lions (win) in 2024, Allen had 10 total touchdowns and 854 yards of offense with no turnovers. However, on the flip side one of his worst games last season was in a dome against the Houston Texans where he only completed nine passes and just one touchdown pass. Buffalo’s road game against the Indianapolis Colts wasn’t much better, as Allen threw two interceptions and one rushing score, but the Bills did win.
The Bills played a pair of games back-to-back in a dome during the 2022 NFL season. It was an interesting situation, where Buffalo’s home game against the Cleveland Browns was moved to Ford Field in Detroit, MI due to a massive lake-effect snow storm. That game stands as Allen’s only home dome game, which saw him throw for 197 yards and one touchdown in a winning effort.
Then a week later, and for Thanksgiving of 2022, Allen and the Bills were back in Detroit — only this time as the visiting team against the Lions. In that matchup, Allen threw two touchdowns and had that amazing pass to Stefon Diggs late in the fourth quarter that set up the game-winning field goal. That wasn’t the only Thanksgiving game Allen spent in a dome. Thanksgiving day back in 2021 was spent against the New Orleans Saints in Louisiana — a game where Allen was dialed in with four touchdowns through the air in a blowout win.
To date, Allen’s found the most adversity at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. He’s yet to win a game there (including a playoff loss) going 0-3, which is something you can be certain Allen is keenly aware of all these years later. Allen and the Bills will get another crack at NRG later this season, with another road date against the Texans in 2025.
Obviously, what makes Allen dangerous in a dome is the lack of adverse weather. Absent elements, Allen can use him arm to its fullest extent. Additionally, there’s no precipitation on the field to dampen his scrambling ability.
Expect everything to be full steam ahead in Atlanta as Allen looks to get the Bills back on track in...
