This might be a polarizing statement to make to say about an offense that can still be dominant, but numbers don't paint the entire picture in this instance. The Bills' offense has not passed the eye test in large spurts during this season, and the noise has only grown louder in recent weeks, starting with a flat performance versus the Miami Dolphins in week 10.
Buffalo's offense is clearly good enough to put up points, as the Bills have put up 30+ points in six games this year, but the flaws have been on display as of late, and Joe Brady's seat has only gotten hotter.
Joe Brady could be in big trouble if offensive continues to struggle
To start, the Bills pass catchers have struggled to create separation all season. This can be attributed to more than just scheme and play calling of course, and GM Brandon Beane deserves some blame in this regard as well, as he has failed to put together an arsenal of recievers that can seperate consistently.
After losing Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins this past offseason, the only significant moves Beane made at the position were signing Josh Palmer, Elijah Moore, an injured Gabe Davis, and drafting Kaden Prather in the 7th round, who failed to even stay on the practice squad for the team.
This issue has lingered for more than just this year, as even Keon Coleman last year was not drafted for his separation skills, quite the opposite, but even he has failed to live up to his role and draft status. Coleman has been benched for the previous two games for disciplinary reasons, but some speculate that his lack of effort and play on the field have also contributed to the coaching decision. It is unknown whether Coleman will play this Sunday against Pittsburgh.
As for the eye test portion of this discussion, last week's game against Houston and the game in Miami may be the strongest reasons why Brady's seat has gotten hotter. Many have noted that Josh Allen, who famously has one of the strongest arms in league history, has been hamstrung by Brady, who seems to prefer throwing passes in the short to intermediate areas of the field, even calling these screen plays to Khalil Shakir and Ty Johnson on 3rd and longs.
The argument has been, you have a generational talent at the QB position, why not let him dominate through the air? This type of game was displayed against Tampa Bay, as Allen had 6 total touchdowns and Brady was obviously trying to get something going through the air, but in Houston, the offense reverted to a vanilla scheme and game plan.
Brady has also faced criticism for specific calls on 4th downs this season, like a jet sweep to Dawson Knox against the Patriots, or a delayed HB dive to James Cook against the Texans. In the moments and situations where the call needs to be one of your best, Brady has not met the moment enough times to give fans confidence in his ability to be a Super Bowl winner.
Sean McDermott hasn't shied away from making a move at the offensive coordinator position in-season before, as Ken Dorsey was relieved of his duties after the Bills fell to the Broncos at home in 2023. If the Bills did decide to eventually move on from Brady, some potential options could be Brian Daboll, or former Bills QB Davis Webb, who is currently the QB coach and passing game coordinator for the 9-2 Denver Broncos.