2022 NFL Team Preview: Buffalo Bills -

In 2021, the Buffalo Bills fell short in the divisional round. Did they actually do enough to get over the proverbial hump?

Lost in the Bengals magic and Chiefs’ consistency, the Buffalo Bills look toward taking another step in their AFC ascent. With the grasp of a potential Super Bowl appearance near, Buffalo must correct their flaws. Under those circumstances, they will face a rather arduous schedule. If the Bills wanted to quiet any whispers from starting, 2022 needs to be a no-doubt season.

Schedule

On balance, Buffalo endures a rather rough schedule. First, they open versus the defending champion Rams. Next, over a four-game span, the Bills face the Ravens, Steelers, Chiefs, and Packers. Then, they conclude the season in matchups versus the Bengals and Patriots. Either way, those six games could dictate their playoff fate. Granted, the schedule makers did them no favors. However, the Bills can weather this.

A Step Back

While Josh Allen did guide the Bills to a division crown and playoff win, 202 felt rather off. Allen, increased his number of picks, while drastically lowering his completion percentage. While interceptions can be a prickly stat to unpack, completion percentage isn’t. Looking deeper into the stats, one telling number stands out: 74.8 percent. In 2020, Allen’s on-target throws sat at 79.1. That drop in accurate passes looks like an easier fix. However, franchise quarterbacks in the NFL must raise that 63.3 completion percentage mark. Allen, to his credit, is an avid watcher. So, that 2021 slide should be temporary.

Airing It Out

Granted, Stefon Diggs immediately captures attention. However, the Bills do boast a deep receiving corps. Big play wideout Gabe Davis looks to build on another half-dozen receiving touchdowns. In the postseason, Davis tallied five touchdowns, including a masterful performance against the Chiefs. For Davis to take the next step, he needs to tighten up the concentration drops. Meanwhile, veteran Jamison Crowder and rookie Khalil Shakir provide a spark in the slot, placing thin secondaries at a disadvantage.

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Ground Game

Originally, the Bills believed that Zack Moss would be the sidekick that Devin Singletary needed. Yet, with the drafting of James Cook, that dynamic quickly shifted. Moss will still provide the downhill, between the tackles power. Cook brings a dimension of breakaway speed. For all of Singletary’s shiftiness, he lacks that next gear. Cook should see the field as a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Immediate Upgrade

When Von Miller signed in the offseason, the Bills’ defense immediately improved up front. More often than not, Buffalo relied on blitzing from the linebackers and secondary to generate pressure. Now, Miller, regardless of what we believe he has left, will command attention, freeing up other linemen to get home. Gregory Rousseau will benefit from the future Hall of Famer on the other side.

It Takes Two

In the middle of the Buffalo defense, you’ll find two of the better, all-around linebackers in the NFL. At 24, Tremaine Edmunds enters his fifth season, looking to extend his hundred-plus season streak. In addition, the linebacker hopes to keep improving with the missed tackles. In 2021, Edmunds missed on career-low ten stops. Next to him, Matt Milano, flies both under the radar and towards the ball. Milano provides excellent play in space. While there’s nothing spectacular about his play, expect the heady, consistent approach.

Secondary Fix?

Buffalo decided that Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam would be the bookend to Tre White. Elam steps into one of, if not, the best secondaries in the NFL. At safety, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde continue to harangue the receiver and make plays vertically. Lost in the headlines, nickelback Taron Johnson brings the ability to cover the slot and rush on passing downs. Behind them, you will see a mix of young players that need extensive field time.

Overview

Without a doubt, the Bills need to rank among the best in the NFL. On the other hand, they need to start winning big playoff games, edging towards the Super Bowl. While their window of opportunity remains wide open, the Buffalo Bills must find a way to put everything together, on the road to a Super Bowl appearance.