Why the Buffalo Bills are gun shy at throwing the ball downfield

Over the past two weeks, the Buffalo Bills have seen a significant decrease in their downfield passing game. This sudden shift in offensive strategy has left many fans and analysts wondering what the reasoning behind this change may be. However, upon further examination, it becomes clear that there are several factors at play that have led to this adjustment in the Bills’ game plan.

One of the most obvious reasons for the Bills’ decrease in downfield passing is the recent struggles of quarterback Josh Allen. Allen, who was once known for his strong arm and ability to make big plays down the field, has been dealing with accuracy issues and turnovers in recent games. This has forced the Bills coaching staff to dial back on the deep passing game in order to minimize the risk of turnovers and give Allen a chance to regain his confidence.

Another factor that has contributed to the Bills’ shift in offensive strategy is the injuries to key members of their receiving corps. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who has been the Bills’ top target all season, has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has limited his effectiveness in recent games. Without Diggs at full strength, the Bills have been forced to rely on their other receiving options, who may not have the same ability to stretch the field and make big plays downfield.

Additionally, the Bills have been facing some tough defenses in recent weeks, which has also played a role in their decision to focus less on the deep passing game. Teams like the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have strong secondaries that are capable of shutting down the deep passing game, making it difficult for the Bills to take shots downfield. In order to be successful against these tough defenses, the Bills have had to adjust their game plan and focus on shorter, more controlled passes to move the ball down the field.

Furthermore, the Bills’ struggles in the running game have also impacted their ability to throw the ball downfield. Without a strong ground game to keep defenses honest, teams have been able to key in on the Bills’ passing attack and make it difficult for them to take shots downfield. In order to remedy this issue, the Bills have had to rely more on quick passes and screens to their running backs in order to keep defenses off balance and open up opportunities for downfield throws.

Despite these challenges, the Bills have still managed to find success on offense in recent weeks. By adapting their game plan to focus more on short and intermediate passes, the Bills have been able to move the ball effectively and put up points on the scoreboard. While they may not be making as many big plays downfield as they have in the past, the Bills have shown that they are capable of adjusting their offensive strategy to fit the strengths and weaknesses of their team.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Bills continue to adapt their offensive strategy in the coming weeks. With key players returning from injury and Allen working to improve his accuracy and decision-making, the Bills may look to take more shots downfield and re-establish their deep passing game as a key component of their offensive attack. However, they must also be mindful of their opponents and the challenges they present, as continuing to rely solely on the deep passing game may not always be the best approach.

In conclusion, the Buffalo Bills’ recent decrease in downfield passing can be attributed to a variety of factors, including quarterback struggles, injuries to key receivers, tough defenses, and issues in the running game. Despite these challenges, the Bills have shown resilience and adaptability in adjusting their offensive strategy to fit their current circumstances. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the Bills to find a balance between their short and deep passing game in order to maximize their offensive potential and continue to put points on the board. Only time will tell how the Bills will navigate these challenges and emerge as a stronger and more dynamic offensive unit.

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Source: Sporting News