When is a loss not a loss?
When you potentially avoid a first round playoff game on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.
After the Pittsburgh Steelers’ collapse at the hands of the Cleveland Browns today, the path to the AFC’s No. 4 seed isn’t as appealing as it once was. Next weekend, when the Steelers host the Ravens, the AFC North will come together for a winner-takes-all matchup.
Big picture, tonight’s 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles may not have been bad for the Buffalo Bills, but the team’s overall play should have fans very concerned.
Buffalo’s offense was unable to sustain drives for most of the game. In the fourth quarter, the team was able to put together two touchdown drives, but still fell short thanks to a blocked extra point and a failed two-point conversion.
After the loss, we have reasons for both encouragement and concern as a Bills fan.
REQUIRED
Tyrell razors: Buffalo’s offense struggled for much of Sunday’s game, but the receiver gave fans something to cheer about after hauling in a Josh Allen pass for 32 yards. Buffalo ended up turning the ball over on downs at the one-yard line, but a big play gave the team some hope in the third quarter.
Brandin Cooks: After falling badly in back-to-back games, Cooks got a chance at redemption against the Eagles. This time, Cooks came through and hauled in a 50-yard pass from Allen.
Cooks followed up the big play with a 36-yard reception late in the game with Buffalo trailing 13-6.
Bill’s defense: Buffalo’s defense came to play against Philadelphia. The team held the Eagles to just 13 points after three quarters. They did a good job limiting the Eagles’ run game and forcing Jalen Hurts and company off the field with their passing game.
The unit should hold their heads high for their performance despite missing several starters from this side of the football.
TROUBLED
Account Protection: Buffalo’s offense was the Eagles’ power play for most of Sunday’s game. Philadelphia manhandled the Bills’ line, leading to many pressures, hits and sacks on Josh Allen.
When you go against elite defensive lines, Buffalo’s protection continues to fall short.
Josh Allen takes bad sacks: Looks like Josh Allen gets one bad sack per game. This week, it came in the fourth quarter with the Bills on the Philadelphia side.
Buffalo’s offensive line actually held the game well, and the quarterback had Ty Johnson underneath him. Instead of throwing it to Johnson, Allen held on to the football and ran left. After getting near the left sideline, Allen turned and went right where he was eventually sacked for a huge loss.
The play forced a punt as the Bills had little chance to convert on fourth down after the sack.
Joe Brady: Buffalo’s game plan on offense was underwhelming at best. In big games, Brady still struggles to find ways to keep the offense going. The offense’s execution is part of the problem, but Brady deserves a lot of criticism for how the offense looked on Sunday.
Brady deserves credit for two late scoring drives, but Buffalo’s inability to score over four quarters continues to be a problem.
Michael Badgley: Michael Badgley came in late for the extra point attempt after Josh Allen scored a rushing touchdown. Just like last week, Badgley failed to convert. This week’s failed attempt came on a blocked extra point by Jalen Carter.
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