Is the ball control offensive approach mostly to protect the defense?

[JaCrispy]

Short answer- yes

 

You play to your strengths and limit the weaknesses of your team- in this case, trying to keep our defense off the field as much as possible 👍

[Einstein's Dog]

Short answer - No.

 

The ball control offense is one tool in game management, considering factors such as: climate and game script.  In slippery cold conditions and playing with a lead, burning the clock is the smart choice.

 

However, in the Superbowl vs say Washington, I would expect at the beginning of the game, the entire playbook is in play.  The offense takes what's available with no regard to protecting the defense.  After being up a couple of scores, game management comes into play and taking time off the clock is part of the offenses objective.

[Boatdrinks]

You need to be able to devise / execute a game plan that’s right for the opponent and the environment the game is being played in. The adaptability is just good coaching. I’d expect this game will look a good deal different than vs Ravens. The Bills will have a good plan that will enable them to achieve victory. 

[Chaos]

2 hours ago, zow2 said:

I know it's popular to say the conservative approach is to play it safe on O and limit mistakes/turnovers.  Punt if you have to and live to play another series.

 

But it sure feels like after the LA Rams and Detroit games, McD and staff sat down and reassessed everything (as he said he would after the loss).  It's reasonable to look at the defensive stats in those games and come to the conclusions that McD realized there's no way in hell "we" are winning the AFC or the Super Bowl getting gash on D.  In those two games combined they gave up:

 

86 points

58 First downs allowed

21 for 32  3rd and 4th downs allowed

793 passing yds allowed

185 rushing yds allowed

61 for 89 completions

4  Rushing TD's

7  Passing TD's

 

We just watched Detroit and their high octane offense and leaky banged up defense get boat raced.  I think the Bills really studied Andy Reid and the KC style of winning again and decided to commit to it.  Since then it's worked well to use the Oline to control the ball and try to hang on to possession. Nothing too dangerous or risky in the passing game.  The Ravens stuffed us in the 3rd Qtr and almost blew up the plan.,,  Thankfully the D forced 3 turnovers and the big drop.   My main concern is that Kansas City's defense is better than ours.

 

I think the offense will do their part this week.  We just need one more huge effort from the D to hang on for dear life.. if they can get even one takeaway that would be massive.

 

bills lead the league in points per drive.  They are far further down the list on points allowed per drive. If the defense was average. If the defense as fully dependable the Bills should welcome track meets. it is clear it is to protect the defense. 

[Peace Frog]

Had the QB sneak been used on the 3rd & goal from the 2 late in the game, we may have scored in the 30's. The running game is working, keep using it.  The only wrinkle I'd add for this upcoming game is bringing back the occasional jet sweet with Curtis Samuel. When we used to strategically run that with Isaiah McKenzie, it would yield great results.