Buffalo Bills: 13 wins – 3 losses, 2nd in the AFC
Announced as favorites of the season, the Bills did not disappoint. An accomplished regular season, efficient squads on both sides of the ball, a staff that always works as well, the team has the full panoply of the contender. But in a conference that has two other behemoths, everything is not won in advance despite the most complete workforce.
How did they get there?
The status was assumed for Sean McDermott’s men. And this from the first game of the season by crushing the defending champion, then continuing with a correction in good standing from the 1st in the conference in 2021. The 3 defeats of the season were all by a difference of 3 points or less, Suffice to say that the team has not gone through any match and has been in the game throughout the season.
In the rivalry that develops season after season, the Bills went to win on the field of the Chiefs sending the signal that they had to be counted on. The canceled match against the Bengals following the heart attack of Damar Hamlin, could even have offered them first place in the conference in the event of a victory.
The key player: Josh Allen
42 is the total number of times Josh Allen has found the end zone in 2022. 35 times throwing, 7 times running. More than ever the quarterback is the engine of this team, and these performances will depend on the outcome of this playoff campaign. A leader on and off the field, Allen has become the image of the franchise, its soul. Able to send bombs deep or get the 1st down with his legs, the quarterback is a constant threat.
His connection to Stefon Diggs has proven to be the most prolific and dangerous in the league. At any time, the duo can get their hands on the match with a series of wins or rock it with a pass.
Why are they going to go all the way?
The Bills are quite simply the most complete team on the board and the one with the most guarantees. Second attack, they are also 6th defense in number of yards and especially 2nd in number of points. Perfectly built, the team is full of playmakers in all positions, on all lines. The aerial attack led by Josh Allen is capable of cutting through any defense and the defense knows how to keep the opponent at bay. The defensive line progressed with the rise of Greg Rousseau and an efficient rotation, the back curtain carried by the ubiquitous Matt Milano and the backfield which saw the return of Tre’Davious White during the season.
After a somewhat timid mid-season, the team has gradually shifted into playoff mode over the past few weeks, gaining momentum game after game and ending the regular season with seven straight wins. A positive dynamic which will also be carried by the surge of emotions experienced by the workforce following the collapse of Damar Hamlin in the middle of a match. The team is on a mission for their defender and it will be difficult to get them off the rails.
The experience also speaks for them. With few movements, the players and the staff have known each other and have evolved together for several seasons. A large majority of them have experienced the two disappointments against Kansas City including the cruel defeat in overtime last year.
Why won’t they go?
While Diggs’ presence alone ensures a major option in the Bills’ aerial game, other targets tend to be far too on AC. While we were waiting for the explosion of Gabe Davis after his 2021 playoff campaign, and in particular his match against the Bills, the 23-year-old receiver was sometimes completely transparent. If his stats are still up, his irregularity as number two could be a problem if Diggs finds himself muzzled. It is the same for Knox or McKenzie.
Buffalo may be the 7th rushing offense in the league, but it owes it in part to its quarterback. With 760 yards, Allen ran for more than a third of the yards rushing. The team does not manage to rely enough on its committee of riders to prevent its key man from going to the coal himself. A difficulty that could play tricks on them in the playoffs. Against the conference’s explosive attacks, the Bills will have to wear the best leather to keep possession and keep the Mahomes or Burrow away from the field.
Injured players
No one missed Damar Hamlin’s discomfort two weeks ago. If the player seems out of danger today, he will logically miss the end of the season. But the radius of good news, Buffalo will be able to count in the same position, on the return of one of its leaders, the All Pro Micah Hyde. The player suffered a neck injury at the start of the season and is returning to training this week. Although forfeited against the Dolphins, he could be back the following weekend in the event of qualification.
Relatively spared among the holders, the big absentee from these playoffs will nevertheless be the flagship rookie of the offseason, Von Miller. The Super Bowl 50 MVP, injured in the knee during the season, will follow the performance of his teammates from a distance.
Prognosis
Season after season, these Bills seem to be making progress. Led by one who is now one of the best quarterbacks in the league, the team has very strong arguments to make. If the first game should logically be within their reach against the Dolphins deprived of their starting pitcher, the road to the Super Bowl will put them the last finalists, the Bengals, on the menu of the next round before possibly challenging the Chiefs for a rematch. and a place in the Big Game. A menu more than plentiful, but more than ever, Buffalo advances armed and all the lights are green to finally conquer the Lombardi trophy.
