By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
The general consensus is that the Buffalo Bills had a pretty nice offseason. With their numerous additions to the offense, coupled with drafting defensive lineman Ed Oliver, it’s easy to see the improvement to the roster from the end of last season.
You can chalk up one more analyst’s positive review of the Bills’ offseason.
Shaun O’Hara of the NFL Network shared why he believes Buffalo had the best offseason, via Sporting News.
“The Bills Mafia is going nuts right now,” O’Hara began, “because the one thing the Bills couldn’t do last year, they couldn’t move the ball.”
Buffalo was 30th in total yards and 31st in passing yards. To the team’s credit, they were in the top-ten in rushing yards, slotting in ninth overall in the NFL. However, that was not enough to help with the team scoring, as the team was only 30th in the NFL, averaging 16.8 points per game.
“They couldn’t convert on third down. Their offense was awful.”
While the offense did have their struggles, the defense was able to steady the ship and keep some games close when the offense was outplayed by opponents.
“People forget, their defense was pretty good,” O’Hara said.
The Bills were second in the league in total yards allowed, and first against the pass.
There is optimism that the unit which carried the club at times can be even better.
“You add Ed Oliver to that defense, you have a monster,” O’Hara said.
The moves the Bills made this offseason were made with the offense at the forefront of their minds. It’s no surprise that a former offensive lineman would enjoy Buffalo’s offseason, as the team made several upgrades the players in the trenches.
“Brian Daboll, the offensive coordinator, now he had multiple personnel formations that he can use,” O’Hara explained.
He said praised the signing of Frank Gore and said he “loved” the selection of Cody Ford in the second round.
While O’Hara focused on the run game, for the most part, he neglected to mention how the passing game should improve for several reasons. Quarterback Josh Allen should have a bit more time in the pocket with a stronger cast of players ahead of him. In addition, the signings of Cole Beasley, John Brown, and Tyler Kroft gives the second-year quarterback improved weapons throughout the field.