We did not get to watch the Buffalo Bills play football this past Sunday afternoon. That is quite alright. Instead, we saw them cruise to victory against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Did you enjoy watching quarterback Josh Allen throw for 375 yards and four touchdowns? If your answer was yes, then this is just the beginning. If your answer was no, then I’m sorry that you’re missing out on the fun that is this Bills team. Monday marked the first of four straight primetime matchups for the Bills, with a fifth one as a possibility in Week 17, pending how the Dolphins fare the rest of the way.
The Bills are more than just the team that has Buffalo natives jumping through tables. This team is potentially Super Bowl contenders, and it is time that they get respected as such. They aren’t just contenders this year, but they’re here to stay for years to come. You think I’m crazy? Let’s talk about it then.
Josh Allen Is a Franchise Quarterback
If you were to read that two years ago and laugh, I wouldn’t be able to blame you. However, if you looked at Peyton Manning’s rookie season, would you believe that he was a five-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion? Exactly my point. The Bills took a massive risk when they identified Josh Allen as their target to be the franchise’s signal caller. Coming out of Wyoming there were plenty of red flags and reasons to avoid him. However, the Bills scouting department saw enough to be sold on the fact that he was the right guy. And what do you know, two seasons in he already has a playoff appearance and is performing better than any other quarterback from that draft class despite Lamar Jackson last season.
With the improvements Allen has made this season, he is primed for another trip to the playoffs as a better player. Sure, you might have a weird taste in your mouth after watching him in the playoff game last season against the Texans. Did he make an all time head scratching play? He certainly did. However, remember that nobody even expected the Bills team to be playing in January last year. This team was arguably showed up a year early and out-performed every expectation.
Now, with Tom Brady out of New England, the AFC East is wide open for the first time in roughly 20 years. Coming into this year after their performance last year, the Buffalo Bills were expected to take that throne. They have once again out-performed expectations and are arguably a Hail Mary away from being a 10-2 team. While 9-3 is nothing to scoff at, give credit to Allen for continuing to develop into a serious MVP candidate in the NFL.
Stefon Diggs Is an Elite Wide Receiver
Since he showed up in the NFL, everyone knew Josh Allen has a rocket for an arm. His glaring weakness was his deep ball accuracy. One way to solve that issue is to bring in one of the best deep ball receivers in the NFL, Stefon Diggs. When the Bills and Vikings agreed to the Diggs’ trade, it looked like an overpay. This idea came after the Cardinals acquired DeAndre Hopkins from the Texans in exchange for David Johnson and a second round pick. There is one glaring difference in these deals. The Buffalo Bills didn’t get to negotiate with Bill O’Brien, who is currently not employed by an NFL team.
Following his Week 13 performance, Diggs is tied with Keenan Allen for the NFL lead with 90 receptions and fifth in receiving yards with 1,037. Between his production and the positive response from his teammates about his attitude and leadership, the trade seems to be working out well for the Bills. We all remember the Minneapolis Miracle play he made in the playoffs. Expect him to be that same impact performer for years to come in the Bills’ playoff runs.
The Defense Is Getting Healthy
Since Sean McDermott took over as head coach in 2017, his defensive mindset has been the focal point of the Bills. This season, however, the defense has been very shaky. While every team goes through injuries, and in this season, COVID cases, the Bills defense has not enjoyed the best of luck health-wise. Two key contributors, Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano, have suffered through injury riddled seasons. After Milano was activated from the IR prior to Monday’s game, the Bills defense was as close to full strength as they have been all season. And guess what, it showed.
While Nick Mullens may not be any team’s preferred starting quarterback, the Bills did a phenomenal job limiting the 49ers to under 100 rushing yards and forcing the Niners to lean on Mullens to keep them in a game. As a result, the Bills came away with two interceptions while also making a key stop on fourth and Goal from the one-yard line. This was truly the defensive performance the Bills have been waiting for. As they march towards the playoffs, they will need more performances like this from this defensive unit.
Other Notes
Devin Singletary Needs to Control the Backfield.
This Buffalo Bills team has struggled this year to establish a consistent running game. Sean McDermott has been trying to force a 50/50 split between Devin Singletary and rookie Zach Moss. After Moss muffed a handoff and appeared banged up, it opened up the door for Singletary to get 21 touches. This needs to become the norm for this team, While Singletary might not be an elite running back, he is a reliable pass catcher out of the back field and fights hard for extra yards. To enjoy an extended playoff run, Singletary is a huge X-factor that can lessen the load for josh Allen and the passing game.
Cole Beasley Is So Fun to Watch.
Cole Beasley might not garner the same attention as Stefon Diggs. He might not be as explosive or as slick of a route runner. But he does what he’s supposed to do, get open and catch the ball. He makes life for Josh Allen so much easier and is as important as ever this season with John Brown struggling to remain healthy. Following a nine reception, 130 yard performance against the 49ers, expect Allen to continue to rely on Beasley down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Sean McDermott Is an Elite Head Coach.
McDermott won’t garner the same respect as an Andy Reid or Sean McVay from the media. Though, since taking this job following his defensive coordinator stint in Carolina, McDermott has coached this team to two playoff appearances and soon to be a third. Maybe it’s because he coaches up in Buffalo. Perhaps NFL fans need to see this team show up in the playoffs to acknowledge that he is a great head coach. When this happens, do not fail again to bring Coach McDermott up in conversations regarding the NFL’s best head coaches.
Buckle up, Bills fans. You are coming up on a stretch where you will finally gain the respect from the rest of the NFL. When this happens, the table smashing will only feel better and you can enjoy the success with Josh Allen and the boys. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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