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Buffalo Bills: Top 3 takeaways from Wild Card win over Colts

By Matthew Hodowany

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: The Buffalo Bills celebrate a 27-24 win during the second half of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Bills Stadium on January 09, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: The Buffalo Bills celebrate a 27-24 win during the second half of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Bills Stadium on January 09, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 09: Jack Doyle #84 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a reception during the second half of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 09, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Worrisome defense

Buffalo Bills fans worldwide know that this year’s defense is not the team’s strong suit. In fact, it may be their biggest weakness. After weeks of solid play against very beatable opponents, Jonathan Taylor and the Colts demolished whatever momentum they gathered.

Breaking off 163 rushing yards on the day from the duo of Taylor and Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis’ game plan revolved around the run. This came as no surprise as all season Buffalo has struggled tremendously against the run. While this was known, a new potential weakness was identified and targeted Saturday; the inability to cover tight ends.

Mo Allie-Cox, Trey Burton and Jack Doyle ran through Bills’ coverage as if they were wearing the Cloak of Invisibility from Harry Potter.

One play, in particular, was extremely frustrating as late in the fourth quarter, Rivers connected with a wide-open Jack Doyle for an easy 27-yard score. With not a single Bills defender in sight and a blown coverage assignment by both Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano, Indianapolis was not going away.

In addition to their inability to defend tight ends, the Bills were not able to record a single sack. Given River’s inability to escape from the pocket, it was up to the Bills defense to dial up the pressure and get after Rivers. Failing to do so they allowed Rivers’ receivers to find soft spots in coverage and make the game close.

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