Buffalo once again will rely on its defense to make the playoffs.
By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
It’s no secret, the Buffalo Bills will rely heavily on their defense to lead it to the postseason once again this year.
You’d be hard pressed to find someone who thinks the offense will lead the way. You’re much more likely to find folks who think the opposite. In fact, NFL.com thinks overall, from top-to-bottom on offense, that the Bills will have problems moving the ball.
Chris Wesseling from NFL.com dubbed the Bills entire offense the ‘thinnest’ in the whole NFL. Here was Wesseling’s reasoning behind the decision:
1. Buffalo Bills offense: Which position is the headliner here? If LeSean McCoy ends up missing extended time due to a recent home invasion that involved an alleged assault against his ex-girlfriend, the Bills will be in the running for thinnest backfield, quarterback room, wide receiver corps and offensive line.
Career backup AJ McCarron was unable to separate from 2017 fifth-round pick Nathan Peterman and raw rookie Josh Allen in offseason practices. After falling out of the running-back rotation in Jacksonville late last season, injury-prone Chris Ivory is the favorite for carries if McCoy is unavailable. No wide receiver on the roster caught more passes last season than McCoy or tight end Charles Clay, leaving undrafted rookie Robert Foster to steal reps with the “starters” in OTAs. The offensive line lost its best tackle (Cordy Glenn), guard (Richie Incognito) and center (Eric Wood) from last year’s unit. Don’t let the Bills’ miraculous entry into the 2017 playoff field mislead you. As general manager Brandon Beane acknowledged entering draft weekend, this organization remains squarely in rebuilding mode — especially on offense.
It’s harsh criticism, but likely justified. So far the 2018 Bills have only taken part in minicamps and the most important position in football, the quarterback, has no front-runner. That’s not a good start.
Reports indicated that McCarron was the ‘safest’ with the ball during minicamp, not really impressing, but not making big mistakes. Second-year pro Nathan Peterman had some flashes while rookie Josh Allen wasn’t held back with the third-team offense the entire minicamp. He earned first-team reps, too.
Outside of quarterback, the offensive line has one-of-five starters filled. Dion Dawkins at left tackle. The rest of the positions, thanks to Eric Wood and Richie Incognito retirements and uninspiring play, have let more to be desired.
In terms of playmakers, Kelvin Benjamin showed flashes but was oft-injured in 2017. Charles Clay has been consistent, but hasn’t blown anyone away from the tight end position.
And it’s hard to argue the Buffalo has a better playmaker than LeSean McCoy. If he’s a no-go due to his off-field issues in 2018, Bills fans will need to hope one of these questionable QBs, preferably their rookie first rounder, lights the world on fire.