It’s a Victory Friday for the Buffalo Bills as they managed to take down the Detroit Lions in a high-scoring affair, winning 41-31 in which Josh Allen accounted for 5 touchdowns himself. Coming into this game on a short week in their new stadium debut, the Bills had a lot of pressure to respond to.
Through their first two games, the Bills have scored 77 points and they managed to score 36 points against a Houston Texans defense that came into this season as the best unit in all of football. Now they just dropped their first 40+ point performance against the Lions.
Things are looking great for the Bills right now, and they now get extra rest for their Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, there are some things that the Bills need to clean up before they welcome the Chargers, based on what happened against the Lions.
3 improvements Bills must make going into Week 3 against Chargers
Keep cutting down the penalties
Against the Texans, the Bills committed 10 penalties for 85 yards. Yesterday against the Lions, they managed to cut that in half with only 5 penalties for 46 yards. While it's an improvement, it's still a lot to be making (especially against a high-scoring offense).
Heck, the opening kickoff for the Bills resulted in a holding penalty on Sam Franklin Jr. which put the Bills back even more in their own territory.
Penalties play a massive role in a team losing, and the Bills are still dealing with the undisciplined play which could cost them a game or two if they don't clean it up.
Get Khalil Shakir more involved
Even when the Bills added DJ Moore via trade, one factor that was being overlooked was the usage of Khalil Shakir in the slot as that is more of his natural role. However, whether Moore has been on the field or not, Shakir hasn't been able to have that big play like he did the last two seasons.
Through two games, he has just 7 catches for 88 yards, despite him having 12 total targets. With Moore dealing with a shoulder injury (which isn't considered anything super serious), maybe Shakir can get more targets in Week 3 if Moore isn't ready to go.
Look to add to the secondary
I get it, this is a new defensive scheme under Jim Leonhard. Not to mention either, Josh Allen and the offense putting up 35+ points the last two games is going to force opponents to have to throw the ball. At the same time, that’s when the Bills’ secondary should realize that they are about to get tested.
While the first half was solid for them, they ultimately allowed Jared Goff to get the Lions back into the game at one point and allowed four touchdowns through the air. Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in two himself along with 142 yards.
If I'm Buffalo, with the extra rest time and preparation for the Chargers, it would be wise to see what available help is out on the free agent market to atleast consider bringing in. Maybe a reunion with Tre'Davious White wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Add us as a preferred source on Google