With another heartbreaking loss, the Buffalo Bills enter the postseason with more questions. Their window isn’t closed. Time to fix it.
After Tyler Bass’ kick sailed wide right, the season ended for the Buffalo Bills. For a team that possessed Super Bowl aspirations, the Bills failed to meet expectations. During the regular season, everyone from the media to fans fell in love with this team. Yet, we all knew subconsciously that the season would ultimately end in stunning fashion. In all honesty, despite employing an excellent roster, the Buffalo Bills must retool to genuinely compete for a Lombardi Trophy.
Diggs to Dallas
If the Minnesota Miracle ranks as the career highlight for Stefon Diggs, the Buffalo Bobble ranks as the lowlight. Regardless of that, 2023 felt like the coda to his Bills career. If not for the tiring, passive aggressive approach on social media, Diggs’ penchant for the recent playoff vanishing looms large. For example, Diggs; last playoff 100-yard receiving game came back in 2020. That stretches the span of six games. Similarly, his last playoff touchdown catch occurred seven games ago, in 2021. On the other hand, Dallas needs another top wideout to take the coverages off CeeDee Lamb. Granted, Lamb is a true number-one. Yet, who’s the second option? Plus, another elite wideout, makes Dak Prescott less likely to focus in on just one target. For the price of a first and third-round pick this year with a second in 2025, both teams win. On top of it, Diggs’ brother, Trevon, plays for Dallas.
New OC, Better Results
While players campaign for Joe Brady to retain his job, the Bills need to clean house offensively. From a coaching standpoint, the offensive coordinator needs to hold Josh Allen accountable. Whether unfair or not, the offense needs a swift kick, someone to shake things up. Hand holding and high fives did not work. Now, the offense needs to learn to close, put team away, if they want to get to a Super Bowl. Although nail-biters make for great ratings, they don’t help with establishing dominance in a football game. The Bills need to find a coordinator with equal parts innovation and old school approaches. A Josh Allen co-sign isn’t enough.
No Extensions
Under Sean McDermott’s watch, the Bills evolved from a perennial doormat to contender. He turned a moribund franchise into a winner. For that, he deserves credit. The entire mindset and culture of the franchise changed. However, the Bills now sit at a crossroads. With that said, McDermott’s contract expires after the 2025 season. With two seasons remaining, McDermott earned this mandate. The Buffalo Bills must reach a Super Bowl for McDermott to keep his job. To some, that may seem harsh or severe. Yet, the team must get over the hump. The window remains open, but how many bites of the apple does McDermott deserve?
Overview
With the Bengals, Dolphins, and every AFC team chasing the Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills must alter aspects of their franchise. The team is too talented for so many early exits and disappointments. Similarly, that disappointment calls for changes that will help them make moves. By the same token, accountability needs to happen. The team cannot stay in this holding pattern. 2024 can either serve as a jumping point for a renewed run at a ring or the start of the decline. The choice is theirs.
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