The Buffalo Bills will regroup after dropping their last two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. The offense has some issues preventing them from reaching their full potential. Part of that could be due to the new faces on the roster, but how can the Bills offense look like Superbowl contenders in their first three weeks of the season, then look like a bottom-five offense in their last two games?
Many people ask the same question, but many fans blame Josh Allen, as his past two performances were bad, especially his performance against the Texans. Regardless, they're facing the Jets in MetLife on Monday night, and the Bills need that extra time to figure out their problems.
A lot is on the line here, as the winner of this game determines the AFC East division leader. There are several key matchups to watch out for, as some players may be back, and their performance may have a big impact on whether their team wins this game.
Bills' O-line vs. Jets' D-line
The Bills' guards, O'Cyrus Torrence and David Edwards have been dreadful in their last two games, especially Torrence, who's recorded a 50.6 PFF grade this year. There's been no clear pocket for Allen for half of his dropbacks, and the interior run game isn't doing well either.
The Bills' O-line will be set to the test again with a talented Jet's front-seven. However, most of that talent in the front seven comes from their defensive line.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has been one of, if not the best defensive tackle in the entire NFL, along with an underrated edge rusher in Will McDonald. If the Bills' O-line can win at the point of attack, that will be one step closer to figuring out the Bills' offensive woes.
Bills' receivers vs. Jets' secondary
The inexperience in some of these receivers within the offense is starting to take a toll, as no one outside of Kincaid or Shakir has established themselves as semi-dangerous weapons. Mack Hollins had a bad game against the Texans, unable to track a wide-open deep ball on the Bills' first drive that would've led to a touchdown. Other times, Hollins and Allen didn't seem on the same page and failed to get open.
Allen couldn't find anyone open, which may be a problem as his receivers struggle to gain separation. The Bills missed Shakir in this game, as he is usually Allen's go-to guy when no one else can get open.
However, Jets' all-pro cornerback Sauce Gardner will likely be shadowing Shakir, which doesn't necessarily mean that Shakir is out of the game plan. The Bills need to involve another receiver with upside and the ability to make game-changing plays.
The receiver with the most upside is the rookie Keon Coleman, who already has two touchdowns and averages 19.4 yards per reception. Per FantasyPtsData, Coleman is ranked fifth in separation win rate among other rookie wide receivers.
Coleman will likely be covered by corners other than Gardner, so it'll give some favorable matchups for Coleman, and it wouldn't hurt to give him opportunities in one-on-one situations.
James Cook vs. Jets' front-seven
Cook is more capable than just a speed back, he can run downhill and be used as a receiver. Not many fans talk about how little Cook is used as a receiver, only getting targeted 13 times this season, which ties for the 24th most this season with Jahmyr Gibbs and Alexander Mattison.
Cook is a multi-dimensional back and should get at least four targets per game. Yes, he's dropped a few balls, but he has route-running ability and can be that missing piece within the receiving game. Having that back that can do anything out of the backfield can open up many plays for Brady and the offense.
Gregory Rousseau vs. Tyron Smith
Rousseau is one of the two starting players on the defensive line. Rousseau has been good so far this season but has quieted down, and needs to step it up in this upcoming game.
Tyron Smith is Rodgers' blindside tackle. He is a multiple-time All-Pro player but is way out of his prime. The veteran tackle is having a good season, but a young Rousseau can still bring the heat.
This game would be the right time to start turning it up against a struggling Jets offense, especially with a 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center. The best way to beat down this Jets offense is to force Rodgers out of the pocket with his limited mobility.
The Jets passed the ball over 50 times last week against the Vikings and Rodgers went down with a minor injury. Rodgers was already limited with mobility, but now he's really limited. Rousseau and the rest of the line need to get after Rodgers by any means necessary and force him to make mistakes.