The start of the week is always rough when the Buffalo Bills lose and this loss hurts a bit more because it came from a weak division opponent in the Dolphins. Not only did the Bills lose, they lost big, 30-13 and left south beach with a lot to think about moving forward. It’s one thing to lose a heartbreaker, it’s another to lose the way they did.
Now at 6-3, the Bills are still facing an uphill battle for the AFC East, as well as within the AFC. They aren’t the true championship contender everything thought they would be coming into this season. Now they are set to take on some tough opponents to finish out the regular season. If they don’t make some major improvements starting now, there is a world where they will miss out on the playoffs, let alone miss out on winning the AFC East.
3 improvements Bills must do ahead of Week 11 vs. Buccaneers
Improve the pass rush
The fact that the Bills didn’t get one sack on Tua Tagovailoa is beyond shocking. Now granted, the Bills only had 4 edge rushers coming into this game and Landon Jackson left early with a knee injury, but not seeing Greg Rousseau or Joey Bosa make an impact is not a good look.
While they can collapse the pocket, sometimes you have to deliver the sack and they weren’t able to do that. Going up against Tampa Bay next Sunday, they have to find a way to make Baker Mayfield uncomfortable in the pocket.
Offensive play calling
Joe Brady deserves some blame for how the Bills’ offense operated. The receivers couldn’t get open and the rushing attack couldn’t be utilized correctly. Let’s face it, Miami’s defense is weaker than Tampa Bay’s, and the Dolphins embarrassed Josh Allen and company.
Brady needs to strongly consider changing up the game plan against the Buccaneers as they are more of an aggressive defense than Miami. If not, it could be yet another long day for the Bills in front of their fans.
Get Ty Johnson involved more in rushing attack
Believe it or not, I’m putting Ty Johnson and his lack of involvement on this list. I don't know about you, but when Johnson is on the field, he provides a ton of physicality and he is not afraid to fight for extra yards.
I get that James Cook is the main back and should be a main focus, but adding Johnson in the mix really does change things up for the offense if things aren’t working out with Cook. Not to mention, Johnson is great is pass protection and can take a simple two-yard pass and move the chains for Buffalo.