2. “Find ways to win” is more important than ever
In the Wild Card Round, Buffalo faced a top run defense from the Jaguars. The Bills No. 1 rushing offense was limited on Sunday, meaning they turned to their tight ends and receivers to get the job done.
“As long as we can stay two-dimensional, we’re going to be at our best,” offensive coordinator Joe Brady said.
Allen finished with an 80 percent completion rate on 28-of-30 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. Nine pass catchers got in the mix on Sunday and Shakir led the group. The WR caught all 12 passes sent his way for 82 yards.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks was behind him with three catches for 58 yards, including a 36-yard-long reception right before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter that ultimately led to Buffalo’s game-winning touchdown. Tight ends Dawson Knox and Kincaid also got involved, putting up 58 yards combined and one score from Kincaid.
The Bills have a similar matchup against the Broncos on Saturday, but also face a leading pass defense in the NFL on top of it.
Denver has the second-best rush defense in yards allowed per game (91) and is also third in yards allowed per rush (3.9) in the NFL. In the pass game, the Broncos are seventh in yards allowed per game (159.6) and second in yards allowed per pass (6.1).
In terms of finding ways to beat Denver’s top-ranked defense, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky thinks the running backs and tight ends can help in the passing game. The Bills were without running back Ty Johnson in the Wild Card Round due to an ankle injury and did not participate in Tuesday’s practice. During the beginning of the week, head coach Sean McDermott did say Johnson was improving.
“Is Ty Johnson available? I think that’s a huge, huge part of this game,” Orlovsky told One Bills Live. “Whoever plays Denver, you have to have your tight ends and your backs be the pass catching threats in that game. Unironically, here comes Buffalo who that’s the strength of their offense. I think if Ty Johnson plays, you’re going to be in this mix if you’re Buffalo where you kind of want to have this grouping of Kincaid, Knox, Shakir, Johnson and Cook. In whatever combinations, you want those guys on the field a ton.”
On the ground, Buffalo has the top rushing offense. It’s first in yards per game (159.6) and second in yards per rush (5.0). In the air, the Bills are 15th in pass yards per game (216.6) and third in yards per pass (8.0).
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasized the importance of finding ways to win. Against the Jaguars, they proved they can do so. On Saturday, they’ll have to prove it again.
“As long as there’s time on the clock,” Brady said. “We have a chance.”
