With a solid defense intact and an offense that upgraded in the offseason, the Buffalo Bills have shown the NFL that they are ready to make a run in the AFC. With a third year coming for Josh Allen, a solidified receiving core led by Stefon Diggs, a strong running game and a top five defense, the Bills have set themselves up to become “hunted” rather than be the hunter.
Ever since the Bills traded for Diggs before free agency, all of the talk surrounding the Bills is how the passing game will become the main focus. There are many reasons to believe this theory. The offense has a true number one wideout in Diggs, and both John Brown and Cole Beasley transition back to their natural spots as the number two and slot receiver.
Allen has the biggest opportunity to take another step forward in his development, but let’s not forget about the Bills strongest unit in the running game. Devin Singletary comes into his second year after learning from legend Frank Gore in 2019 and making an immediate impact.
In his 12 games he appeared in, Singletary rushed for 775 yards and two touchdowns. Down the stretch in 2019, he took over the starting role and showed to be the featured back for the Bills. He raised eyebrows when LeSean McCoy was released by the Bills on the final roster cut heading into last season, and it proved to be the right move.
Stick With Your Strong Unit
The Bills have always been a strong running football team. While 2020 shows promise for a strong vertical threat game, pounding the rock still might be their strongest point of attack to drive the ball down the field. With a promising back in Singletary and a three time 1,000 yard rusher rookie out of Utah in Zack Moss, Brian Daboll might be more conservative rather than explosive.
Not to say that the Bills won’t take shots down the field in the passing game, but the pass attack will take time to develop in the beginning. Be prepared to see a ton of usage involving Singletary and Moss, especially when the snow comes into play in December.