While the Buffalo Bills are coming off their bye week, they know that they need to play better from start to finish against the Carolina Panthers this upcoming Sunday. After losing to the Atlanta Falcons (24-14), the team didn't look very good on either side of the ball.
Hopefully, they took this much-needed time off to work on the things that needed fixing and bring their skills to the field. Bills' quarterback Josh Allen hasn't played his best football the last two games, and it hasn't helped that his two offensive weapons have been underutilized pretty much all season.
How do Allen and his two offensive weapons help get the Bills back to their winning ways?
1. Allen needs to start playing like an MVP candidate again
After winning his first-ever NFL MVP award, Allen came back this year looking to double-dip and also help the Bills win their first Super Bowl. But during the Bills' 4-2 start, the Bills' superstar has been playing just at a comfortable level.
The good news for Allen, though, is that it hasn't been all his fault. His receivers can't get open downfield to create separation, which has led the quarterback to play superman at times, only for it not to work.
Plus, they haven't used their superstar running back enough during their last two games. In the previous game, when running back James Cook could have been on the field to help pick up a short first down, offensive coordinator Joe Brady called an end-around to wide receiver Elijah Moore, who fumbled the ball and was brought down for a loss.
2. James Cook needs to be fed the ball more in the running game
Let's not sugarcoat it. Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL since being named the team's starter in 2023. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in the last two seasons, and before the season, he signed a 4-year, $48 million contract extension to remain a Buffalo Bill in the coming years.
While he's still on pace for his third straight 1000+ yard season, Brady has forgotten the last two games why they paid this skilled back the big bucks.
Yes, Cook was used a lot in the first four games, but after that game, the team indicated they would give him fewer touches during the season to keep him fresh for the postseason. That's great to manage his carry total throughout the season, but until Allen gets more receiver help, keep pounding the rock with Cook, as it has been working.
3. Keon Coleman is having trouble creating separation off of defenders
When the Bills drafted Coleman with the 33rd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, they were hoping he would replace Stefon Diggs as their No. 1 receiver. Coleman was compared to Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Mike Evans, noting that he's a 6-foot-4, 215-pound physical player who can make leaping, over-the-shoulder catches against smaller cornerbacks.
While Coleman may not be lighting it up after playing in just 22 career games, he just may not be cut out to be a No.1 NFL receiver. He isn't the fastest guy in the world, and he needs a partner to help take some of the load off him.
The Bills Brass should be busy looking to add a wide receiver before the trade deadline, as it would benefit all of these three offensive players, as well as the team in the long run.