Joe Buscaglia Shares The Root Cause of The Bills Struggles and Why It’s a Major Issue

[The Firebaugh Kid]

Why is 19 not more involved? You wanna fix the running game, you get creative. I've seen zero jet sweeps from 19 this year. Kid was good for 3-4 a game last year, and good yardage. 

[JohnNord]

18 minutes ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

could it be Allen can’t find the cover 2 holes  and get the ball there? Does it seem like some of the anticipation throw we saw coming on last year have vanished? 
 

Also, if a defense can do a cover2 shell near its end zone because you can’t run, good luck getting touchdowns in the red zone. 

Right which is why Buffalo is in the lower-middle of the pack when it comes to redzone TD percentage.  
 

I tend to think Josh needs more time to pass

[NewEra]

It’s exactly what we knew was the problem last year:
 

My offseason plan on O-  

Retool the IOL. They can’t run block for ****.  

Add speed @ RB.  Our RBs can’t make anyone pay.  
 

Add another TE that will allow us to be effective running and passing out of 2TE sets.  We need to become more multidimensional and throw our different looks because opposing Ds are just going focus on stopping the pass. 
 

-the only thing we addressed is speed @ rb with a player that will never be active.  Literally did nothing to help the O except get Manny Sands.  He’s a big upgrade, don’t get me wrong…..but he wasn’t enough.  
 

No one is afraid of our run and we can’t make defenses pay when they sell out to stop the pass. Until that changes, we’re likely to come up short.

[ngbills]

1 minute ago, NewEra said:

It’s exactly what we knew was the problem last year:
 

My offseason plan on O-  

Retool the IOL. They can’t run block for ****.  

Add speed @ RB.  Our RBs can’t make anyone pay.  
 

Add another TE that will allow us to be effective running and passing out of 2TE sets.  We need to become more multidimensional and throw our different looks because opposing Ds are just going focus on stopping the pass. 
 

-the only thing we addressed is speed @ rb with a player that will never be active.  Literally did nothing to help the O except get Manny Sands.  He’s a big upgrade, don’t get me wrong…..but he wasn’t enough.  
 

No one is afraid of our run and we can’t make defenses pay when they sell out to stop the pass. Until that changes, we’re likely to come up short.

This was a lot of peoples plan. But we were told how the O was one of the best in the league and will only get better...

[mbs]

Why is Summertime Sweatshirt guy getting a pass here? When we took basically the same personnel from the Chair Tossing Kiddie Puncher to the Popcorn and Movies guy they absolutely face-planted. Sure a power blocking offense is the only one my fool eyes can follow, so I'm biased, but maybe it's more than talent here. We hired a rookie line coach and our line stinks way too much for it to be laid all at the feet of Morse, Williams, Dawkins and any two randomly selected scrubs.

[HappyDays]

4 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Very accurate description of our issues. The answer to me is a uptempo short passing game.

 

I might also add we need to get over settling for field goals. We seem to have this mindset that getting three is failure. That cost us the game.

 

 

 

Off topic, but this isn't just a Bills thing. Analytics has taken the league by storm and I see a lot of teams going too far in the aggressive direction. Teams go for it on 4th down more than they should, pass up easy FGs, etc. And if you look at the scoreboard at the end it is still one score separating the winner from the loser in most games. If you're playing the Chiefs or the Rams, sure maybe you need to play more aggressive. Against a team like the Jaguars we can afford to be conservative and play the FG/field position game. If our offense isn't clicking it makes no sense to have a TD or bust mindset.

Edited November 8, 2021 by HappyDays

[appoo]

There’s not really an adjustment for not having pass blocking. Well there is it’s to force the other team into man coverages so you have some quick throws available.

 

But as long teams zone the bills, and as long as the bills are allowing quick pressure, there’s nothing you can do as a play caller. 

[hjnick]

Until the Oline gets fixed we will continue to struggle run amd pass.

 

the only RB that could run w this OLine is Sanders…. Barry Sanders.

[Blank Stare]

What is it with most of these midday callers on WGR sounding like they are Jeff the Drunk? Brutal to listen to. 

[CSBill]

4 minutes ago, hjnick said:

Until the Oline gets fixed we will continue to struggle run amd pass.

 

the only RB that could run w this OLine is Sanders…. Barry Sanders.

 
And Barry Sanders’ teams never won much. 

[Greg S]

5 minutes ago, hjnick said:

Until the Oline gets fixed we will continue to struggle run amd pass.

 

the only RB that could run w this OLine is Sanders…. Barry Sanders.

 And Walter Payton. He was a one man gang on some bad Bears teams in the 70's.

[John from Riverside]

So basically its the offensive line

[appoo]

11 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

So basically its the offensive line

 

yes. You don't actually need a great OLine to win in the NFL. Just a not crap one. The Bills JV line just ain't it. It's exactly what caused the Chiefs offense to look so pathetic in the SB

[appoo]

I have my issues with the RBs, but that's a moo point if you can't run on the weak side of a defense that has basically 3 guys against your 4-5. 

 

I haven't seen Josh run around like that since he was a rookie. That probably wasn't something he wanted to do, or the game plan called for. 

 

I do think this is a bit fixable once Mongo and Brown come back, but I'd like to see some experimentation with Ryan Bates. I don't think he could be all that worse than Ford. 

 

Last point - we saw this when COVID ripped through the Liverpool lockeroom, so have some evidence. That disease has lasting impacts on athletes, and Dawkins is simply not right. You lose capacity and endurance and he's CLEARLY a shadow of his former self. The problem is that the Bills have nothing to replace him with, so they just have to struggle with him. 

 

If you have a finesse offense - which the Bills do - then the MOST important position (after the QB of course) are your tackles.  

[Fan in Chicago]

1 hour ago, ngbills said:

Moss is a good back. Singletary is meant to be a a horse but not your lead back. We signed Brieda...has he ever been active? "

I won't be surprised if Singletary is inactive for the Jets game and Brieda plays. Moss is a no brainer and needs to play.

Tough to see positives but Allen has been using RBs in the passing game more than before. 

[wvbillsfan]

We’ve lost games when we haven’t been able to protect against a four man rush

Getting Brown healthy solves two spots because we kick Williams inside and that has looked ok

 

Dont really care for our zone running scheme. We run better when we pull someone. 
 

Still had a top 5 offense before the jags game. 

[HappyDays]

5 hours ago, Buffalo Bills Fan said:

 

Problem is RB'S are not that good.....

 

Yep this is a bigger problem than people want to admit. Not just in the run game. As pass catchers they are pathetic because they can't accelerate fast enough to take advantage of open space. We're running the New England offense which used to kill people with swing passes to James White. Instead of White we have 2 RBs with their feet stuck in the mud. I believe a dynamic RB would cover up some of the pass protection issues and attack the schemes we're seeing where they are weak. Beane needed to make it a priority in the offseason but didn't. Hopefully he won't make the same mistake again next year.

Edited November 8, 2021 by HappyDays

[Nextmanup]

5 hours ago, Nitro said:

Change up the scheme and personnel.   Traditional two back sets would be an option.  The O line is what it is.  

You want to watch those backs run into a brick wall at the line?

 

Our OL cannot open holes.  Barry Sanders wouldn't run well on this team.

 

 

[zow2]

It's big trouble for the O since they are no longer an explosive passing attack coupled with a negligible running game and a not-so physical O-line. 

 

I hate them but it's another reason why i have liked the Browns (since game 1) to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.  They have a strong line, very good RB's, and a solid passing game and QB/WR's, along with a good D.

[hondo in seattle]

2 hours ago, NewEra said:

It’s exactly what we knew was the problem last year:
 

My offseason plan on O-  

Retool the IOL. They can’t run block for ****.  

Add speed @ RB.  Our RBs can’t make anyone pay.  
 

Add another TE that will allow us to be effective running and passing out of 2TE sets.  We need to become more multidimensional and throw our different looks because opposing Ds are just going focus on stopping the pass. 
 

-the only thing we addressed is speed @ rb with a player that will never be active.  Literally did nothing to help the O except get Manny Sands.  He’s a big upgrade, don’t get me wrong…..but he wasn’t enough.  
 

No one is afraid of our run and we can’t make defenses pay when they sell out to stop the pass. Until that changes, we’re likely to come up short.

 

Yep.  Remember the AFC Championship game.  The Chiefs had 5, 6 backs in the game all day long - made it hard for receivers to get open.  They only rushed four.  Dared us to run.

 

But we're a one dimensional offense.  Passing is all we're good at.  We can't run effectively against light defenses.  And our OL can't even protect our QB when the D only rushes 4.  

 

I don't have a major beef with Joe's B's analysis but my first thought when reading it was: In other breaking news, President Kennedy was shot in Dallas.  

[Heels20X6]

4 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

 

Yep.  Remember the AFC Championship game.  The Chiefs had 5, 6 backs in the game all day long - made it hard for receivers to get open.  They only rushed four.  Dared us to run.

 

But we're a one dimensional offense.  Passing is all we're good at.  We can't run effectively against light defenses.  And our OL can't even protect our QB when the D only rushes 4.  

 

I don't have a major beef with Joe's B's analysis but my first thought when reading it was: In other breaking news, President Kennedy was shot in Dallas.  

 

As Baltimore has shown us already, you can't win games if your QB is your best running back.  There's a limit to how far that can take you and it seems like the Bills refuse to learn from watching Baltimore continually falter come playoff time.

[MJS]

6 hours ago, SWATeam said:

I think having knox to threaten the seem is how they plan to attack cover 2

Yes, Knox being out has been a huge issue to overcome. Hopefully he is back this week.

[NewEra]

38 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

 

Yep.  Remember the AFC Championship game.  The Chiefs had 5, 6 backs in the game all day long - made it hard for receivers to get open.  They only rushed four.  Dared us to run.

 

But we're a one dimensional offense.  Passing is all we're good at.  We can't run effectively against light defenses.  And our OL can't even protect our QB when the D only rushes 4.  

 

I don't have a major beef with Joe's B's analysis but my first thought when reading it was: In other breaking news, President Kennedy was shot in Dallas.  

My thoughts exactly.  Well said

[Niagara Dude]

5 hours ago, Toyo321 said:

Yes he did, and he did nothing at all to address the issue in the off season.  How many time have you seen our RB's in the open field out run a defensive player.  Straight up you haven't because quickness still does not equal or beat raw speed and power.  We got Breida, we don't use him and he has been back shelved.  We have no Jet sweeps anymore.  We don't have any speed in the backfield at all.  Just sad to have a OC that can't call plays to offset the what the defense is throwing at us during the game.  Isn't that a requirement at OC in the NFL anymore.  I just don't get the coaching philosophy in the last two games, very poor and way below average.

I get the line is not great but even when they do open holes Singeltary is stil not hitting the hole fast enough and then tries to juke and jive.  Have we seem any sweeps?  no because Bills know better.  I agree Breida should get a shot this week,  could not do any worse3 

[Scott7975]

7 hours ago, JohnNord said:

Is it Daboll, Josh, The O-Line, the RB’s?   YES to all, but it’s a bit more complex.  

 

On the Bills Beat podcast Joe Buscaglia revealed the reason for the Bills offensive struggles:

 

The short:

Teams are selling out to stop the passing game and the Bills haven’t found an answer.

 

The long:

The offense has not been able to beat a Cover 2 Shell defense.  The scheme has allowed less talented teams to bridge the gap with inferior players.   It’s basically the KC treatment this season and unless they can figure out a way to solve this, I think what has happened to KC might be a comp.

Of course like any issue, there are many reasons:

 

Offensive line - perhaps the “trunk” of the issue.   Can’t pass protect and can’t run block.  OL is getting good running looks but can’t generate any yards.  Easily the biggest issue.

 

Running backs - See above…but also our backs don’t threaten anyone or make teams pay for having a light box.

Quarterback - Josh, like Mahomes this season, is getting no help from his backs & OL.  He’s trying to do much including moving when he doesn’t need to.  

Play calling - Brian Daboll had not found a scheme to consistently get teams out of Cover 2.  The easiest thing to do would be to run the ball against a light box. But issues with #1 and #2 above really limit what they can do.  They did try to use Beasley as a RB yesterday to move the sticks but he couldn’t get any YAC.  This week, Daboll & crew need to go back to the drawing board and completely install new routes plays to offset the terrible OL and of course this scheme.  

 

Next week will be a major test for the Bills and could be the turning point of the season.  It’s possible they could find an answer.  Also possible that the a question mark going into this season (the OL) could sink their chances.  
 

Joe isn’t pushing the panic button yet but says that this is a major concern that the Bills will need to address or else, teams will just play the same defense.  
 

As fans we just have to take this week to week.  Hopefully they find an answer.  
 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-buffalo-beat-a-show-about-the-buffalo-bills/id1373776577?i=1000541080089

 

 

This is all true and I have been saying it all season.  Wasn't it Joe B that said last week our line wasn't as bad as it looked though?

[Niagara Dude]

5 hours ago, Toyo321 said:

Yes he did, and he did nothing at all to address the issue in the off season.  How many time have you seen our RB's in the open field out run a defensive player.  Straight up you haven't because quickness still does not equal or beat raw speed and power.  We got Breida, we don't use him and he has been back shelved.  We have no Jet sweeps anymore.  We don't have any speed in the backfield at all.  Just sad to have a OC that can't call plays to offset the what the defense is throwing at us during the game.  Isn't that a requirement at OC in the NFL anymore.  I just don't get the coaching philosophy in the last two games, very poor and way below average.

Dude we lost the game yesterday on our first series,  first and goal at the 3 and Dabol gives it to Moss who does not even get back the line of scrimmage.  Then they have trash TE's and were kicking a FG over a TD. The whole league is laughing at the Bills for losing to the Jaguars.  How many difference maker player do we really have on this roster?  Diggs/Allen and maybe White,  that's it. No one else scaring anyone.  

[JohnNord]

4 minutes ago, Scott7975 said:

 

This is all true and I have been saying it all season.  Wasn't it Joe B that said last week our line wasn't as bad as it looked though?

No that was John Fina 

[Scott7975]

6 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

No that was John Fina 

 

Joe B said..."-Why the OL had a much better day on film than it felt like Sunday"

[Scott7975]

5 hours ago, Motorin' said:

 

We miss Knox, big time. He's a mismatch that can take the top off and draw a Safety away from half the field, which opens it up for the wrs on that side. 

 

I agree the offense does miss Knox.  That is part of the problem.  O line is the other part.  Nobody but Diggs can get YAC so that's the other part.

5 hours ago, KOKBILLS said:

 

They sure as heck seem to think WR screens are the answer...

 

They're not btw...At least not the way the Bills run them...

 

Bubble screens are actually a good answer against a cover 2 shell when the o line sucks this bad.  Problem is what you said... they aren't good at those either.  Diggs is the only one that seems to be able to get any YAC and none of the receivers seem to be able to block either.

[Coffeesforclosers]

2 hours ago, wvbillsfan said:

We’ve lost games when we haven’t been able to protect against a four man rush

Getting Brown healthy solves two spots because we kick Williams inside and that has looked ok

 

Dont really care for our zone running scheme. We run better when we pull someone. 
 

Still had a top 5 offense before the jags game. 

 

Pick a running scheme, commit to it, get the OL you need for it, and a new OL coach who can run it if needs be.  This little bit of everything approach has produced mediocrity instead of flexibility.

[Scott7975]

2 hours ago, Fan in Chicago said:

I won't be surprised if Singletary is inactive for the Jets game and Brieda plays. Moss is a no brainer and needs to play.

Tough to see positives but Allen has been using RBs in the passing game more than before. 

 

Moss might not be able to play.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

7 hours ago, Greg S said:

 

Surprised the Bills didn't look to bring in AP like the Titans did. He is not in his prime anymore but he is probably still better than what we have.

I’m not sure that’s what I saw last night… 

[Motorin']

41 minutes ago, Scott7975 said:

Bubble screens are actually a good answer against a cover 2 shell when the o line sucks this bad.  Problem is what you said... they aren't good at those either.  Diggs is the only one that seems to be able to get any YAC and none of the receivers seem to be able to block either.

 

Davis needs to be on the field more. He's the best blocking wr we have. We kept throwing bubble screens to Sanders side and asking him to block. 

[Success]

I feel like we have 3 RB's who are all essentially the same.  They're all solid #2 guys, and do better in space.  I don't see any as the classic 30-carry a game type of guy.

 

The line contributes to that, but we're really missing someone who can both create & pound a little more.  The running game is not a threat at all - we're in the same place we were last year.

 

It's extremely limiting - and a big part of the reason why Allen is always pressured.  We're a tough offense to plan against in terms of talent, but not in terms of scheme or versatility.

 

[JohnNord]

1 hour ago, Success said:

I feel like we have 3 RB's who are all essentially the same.  They're all solid #2 guys, and do better in space.  I don't see any as the classic 30-carry a game type of guy.

 

The line contributes to that, but we're really missing someone who can both create & pound a little more.  The running game is not a threat at all - we're in the same place we were last year.

 

It's extremely limiting - and a big part of the reason why Allen is always pressured.  We're a tough offense to plan against in terms of talent, but not in terms of scheme or versatility.

 

To be fair, there really aren’t any back that can carry the ball 30 times a game.  Maybe Derrick Henry… but now most teams have 2 backs

[Big Blitz]

If I see another RPO with this current group of RBs in situations where it's obvious pass I'm going to lose my mind.  

[97bills]

11 hours ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

The Bills could lose to the Jets, that’s obvious cause they lost to Jax. Yesterday’s loss says any team can beat the Bills…. Not looking good fans.

I hate it but this is true, and we no how the nfl is when there’s blood in the water teams go for the kill. You better believe the jets coaches are telling there players the bills are soft, bring that heat and they will fold  

20 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

If I see another RPO with this current group of RBs in situations where it's obvious pass I'm going to lose my mind.  

Lol I think this every game, there linebacker just laugh as they drop in coverage. 

[Governor]

Ok, so if this is true, that explains why KC drafted a RB and signed multiple other backs through last season. They were trying to get out in front of it because the league figured them out.

 

If KC knew, and we knew, why do we still have 2 bad backs and a terrible run-blocking line?

 

That tells me McBeane thinks we’re still at least 1 draft away from being good.

Edited November 9, 2021 by Governor

[Big Blitz]

1 minute ago, 97bills said:

I hate it but this is true, and we no how the nfl is when there’s blood in the water teams go for the kill. You better believe the jets coaches are telling there players the bills are soft, bring that heat and they will fold  

Lol I think this every game, there linebacker just laugh as they drop in coverage. 

 

 

All it's doing is taking away someone to pass protect, chip, or head straight to his route.  

 

It's ridiculous 

[billsherd]

Bills for problems.