A quick look at the NFL standings will tell you that the Buffalo Bills are right on track this season. Their 4-2 record has them positioned in a tie for first place in the AFC East, still with a realistic shot at the top seed in the conference come playoff time. But don't let the win column fool you; this team is not the dominant Super Bowl contender that fans expected to see.
Two consecutive losses have many fans panicking, and with good reason. The Bills have failed to overcome seemingly average opponents, struggling to establish themselves on both sides of the ball.
NFL analyst Mina Kimes recently laid out why. She pointed out the weakness in Buffalo's defense, claiming that it could derail their entire season if the issue isn't fixed.
Mina Kimes exposes Bills weakness that could end their season
In a recent appearance on the Domonique Foxworthy Show, Kimes didn't hold back on the Bills. She said, "It's the defense that's ultimately going to tank them if they can't get it fixed."
Kimes noted her optimism about the offense's ability to figure itself out come playoff time. Whether they have elite receiving options or not, Josh Allen and the elite offensive line in front of him will be able to do enough to win games when it matters most.
But the defense might not even give them the chance. Kimes pointed out that the Bills' defense struggles against pre-snap motion in the running game. That was apparent in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, when Bijan Robinson consistently had acres of space to run through. Atlanta ran for over 200 yards in the game, controlling the pace from start to finish.
The Bills are giving up explosive runs at an alarming rate this year. Heading into Week 7, they've allowed the second-most runs of 20 or more yards in the league, only behind a helpless Miami Dolphins team. Whether it's the safeties taking poor pursuit angles or the front seven players missing their gaps, this trend has become a major problem for Buffalo.
Unfortunately, issues on defense have been the Bills' fatal flaw in the Josh Allen era. Buffalo's playoff games seem to become shootouts more often than not. If they are unable to get a stop when it matters most, the MVP's efforts won't matter. Hopefully, Sean McDermott can find a solution to his team's defensive woes before it's too late.