Identifying the Buffalo Bills’ Biggest Weaknesses for 2024

Sean McDermott, Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have been yearly Super Bowl contenders in recent years, but as the 2024 season looms, they need to improve in key areas if they want to make a serious run at the Super Bowl. Let's delve into some of their biggest weaknesses and how they can be addressed.

Coaches' Decision Making in Pivotal Moments:

One of the Bills' recurring themes has been questionable coaching decisions during crucial moments in games. A standout example from last season was the fake punt with Damar Hamlin in the Divisional Round. Coach Sean McDermott defended the call, citing a desire to be aggressive and catch the opponent off guard. However, such high-risk decisions can backfire, as they did in this case.

The Bills must ensure better decision-making in critical situations if they aim to reach the Super Bowl. This includes strategic play-calling, clock management, and overall game awareness. McDermott and his staff must balance aggression and prudence, especially in playoff scenarios.

The most iconic example of this was in the AFC Championship game in the 2020-21 NFL season where the infamous "13 seconds" happened. Instances like these highlight the need for the coaching staff to remain composed and make calculated decisions under pressure.

Wide Receiver and Company:

Buffalo's wide receiver unit has raised concerns following Stefon Diggs' departure to the Houston Texans. Despite acquiring Keon Coleman, Diggs' absence has created a notable gap. However, this void also presents opportunities for other receivers to step up. This includes tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, who seemed to be forgotten about this offseason.

Diggs' trade has implications beyond his individual talent and alleviates pressure on Josh Allen to target a single top receiver. Despite dealing with poor QB play in the past, Curtis Samuel brings a productive track record that shouldn't be overlooked.

While players like Dalton Kincaid and Curtis Samuel can contribute, the Bills may need to explore additional avenues through free agency/trades to strengthen their receiving options.

Defensive Trenches:

On the defensive side, the Bills have experienced changes in their line rotation. Departures such as Tim Settle and Poona Ford have left gaps that need to be filled, while the return of DaQuan Jones provides a boost.

Buffalo's defensive line likes to rotate its contributors. Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa have been slated as the Buffalo Bills’ starting defensive ends, but there is an opportunity for other players to earn playing time behind Von Miller.

Von Miller was a shell of himself last year. Hopefully, we can see him 100% healthy after another long offseason. Re-signing DaQuan Jones is a massive deal that should give Bills Mafia some hope in the defensive trenches.

There are many question marks as it looks like this edge-rushing group includes Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller, Casey Toohill, and Javon Solomon, and the defensive tackle rotation includes Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson, Deshawn Williams, and DeWayne Carter.

The Buffalo Bills have the talent and coaching acumen to contend for a championship, but addressing these weaknesses is always paramount. Improved decision-making, bolstering the wide receiver corps, and solidifying the defensive trenches will go a long way in shaping their 2024 campaign.

With the right adjustments and some luck, the Bills could be serious contenders for the Lombardi Trophy.

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Jakob Merkel
CO-FOUNDER - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER
www.jakobmerkel.com