Niagara Gazette

‘The 24-18 Bengals win might show a closer score, but the Bills failed to rise to the occasion offensively.’

‘There are so many questions about the Bills offense that have been asked repeatedly for the last month with no one capable of finding the right answer.’

‘A loss won’t end any postseason dreams but it would put a dent in hope and push the Bills against the wall during the final half of the season. Their last eight opponents have a combined record of 33-20, with four ranking in the top-10 in total offense and four in the top-10 in total defense.’

‘Even though Allen has averaged more yards per attempt with two tight ends than three receivers, other areas of the offense declined. Since Kincaid was injured for the New York Giants game and Knox went on injured reserve last week, the Bills have reverted to 11 personnel — one running back and one tight end — on 78.6% of plays and overall tight end production has increased to 10.7 yards per catch.’

‘Prior to practice, Bills coach Sean McDermott said that Allen would have a normal day of practice, but wasn’t sure how much throwing he would do. The Bills designated him as a full participant on the injury report released after practice.’

‘The Buffalo Bills general manager had been searching for a cornerback since Tre’Davious White tore his Achilles tendon in Week 4 and was interested in acquiring Rasul Douglas from the Packers. After director of player personnel Terrance Gray reached out to the Packers in regards to Douglas, Beane contacted Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst last week.’

‘“Obviously, unfortunate when it’s your throwing shoulder,” Allen said. “As a thrower, you don’t like feeling any sort of, I wouldn’t even call it pain, just discomfort in there. So we’re just trying to stay on top of it and get ahead of it when we can. Obviously, I hate not practicing, I hate not being involved in what we’re doing, but at the same time I know this is probably what’s best and putting myself in the best situation to make sure that I’m ready to go tomorrow and for Sunday.”’

‘In the three games following his absence against the Miami Dolphins, Poyer was used as a blitzer 14 times after doing so twice during his first three games. And against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Poyer was used as a hybrid linebacker in a new three-safety look in the 24-18 win.’

‘He is currently rated as the eighth-best cornerback in the NFL in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus, which has given him a 79.6 grade. Douglas ranked 26th last season and 10th in 2021.’

‘Throughout Thursday’s win, Buffalo had opportunities to deliver knockout blows, but instead allowed the Buccaneers to hang around until it became dangerously uncomfortable. It’s a habit that’s persisted for a while, and with a seemingly brutal stretch of opponents, close games could quickly turn into blowout losses.’

‘Twice the Bills led by double-digits only for the lead to wither away against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Josh Allen connected with Gabe Davis for a touchdown pass to take a 24-10 lead on the opening drive of the second half.’

‘The plodding, fun-sucking offense that has taken the Bills hostage at times this season suddenly shed the albatross. It looked like a callback to the dangerous weapon that made the Bills one of the best teams in the NFL.’

‘An injury to one of those players — perhaps two — would be reasonable to overcome, but all three of them are daunting. Mix in injuries to starters Christian Benford, Dane Jackson, Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau that have cost each of them a game over the last three weeks and the toll has been evident on the defensive production.’

‘The Bills have been outscored 30-10 in the first half over the last three weeks, only to turn it on during the second half to win or come close. At some point a slow start is going to result in an ugly blowout. And while a 4-4 record isn’t typically when changes are made to coaching staffs, if the Bills suffer another slow start and lose, it could happen.’

‘Starting with tonight’s home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I’d like to see “high positive” or “positive positive” Josh Allen again.’