The season is approaching. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. The Buffalo Bills are serious contenders for the title in 2024. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Always highly rated but never starred, the 2024 season could finally establish Buffalo's grill as the most succulent in the country. Their menu offers a high-end starter-main course-dessert combo: offensive line-quarterback-defense.
But in an AFC conference where fine dining is plentiful, will the service be up to par to finally make it into the NFL guide?
Last season: 11 wins – 6 losses, beaten in the 2nd round of the 2023 playoffs
Off-season movements
Notable Arrivals: Curtis Samuel (WR), Mike Edwards (S), Mack Hollins (WR), Marques Valdes-Scantling (WR), Nicholas Morrow (LB), La'El Collins (OT), Kareem Jackson (S)
Re-signings: Taron Johnson (CB), David Edwards (OG), DaQuan Jones (DT), Taylor Rapp (S)
Draft: Keon Coleman (WR), Cole Bishop (S), DeWayne Carter (DT), Ray Davis (RB), Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (OC), Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB), Javon Solomon (DE), Dylan Grable ( OT), Daequan Hardy (CB), Travis Clayton (OT).
Notable departures: Stefon Diggs (WR), Jordan Poyer (S), Micah Hyde (S), Gabe Davis (WR), Mitch Morse (OC), Tyrel Dodson (LB), Tre'Davious White (CB), Dane Jackson ( CB)
The 2024 offseason saw the Bills lose major players from recent years: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and Mitch Morse on offense, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer as well as the too often injured Tre'Davious White on defense. In terms of arrivals, no “big names” or first-round draft picks.
What excites fans is the confirmation as offensive coordinator of Joe Brady. With him, the Bills have won six of their last seven games in 2023. The one who took care of Joe Burrow at LSU has proposed a much more balanced attack than his predecessor (Ken Dorsey). The youngsters James Cook (RB) and Dalton Kincaid (TE) should gain depth under his leadership.
In terms of curiosity, they signed a wrestling champion hoping to make him a defensive tackle: Gable Stevenson (he should spend the season in their training squad). But that's not their most surprising bet. Travis Clayton played rugby…in the English 8th division! Buffalo nevertheless used its last draft pick (n°221) to recruit him. The project is to obtain an offensive tackle like another former rugby player: Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Buffalo Bills' All-Star Team
Quarterback: Josh Allen Runner: James Cook Receivers: Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel Tight-ends: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox Offensive line: Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O'Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown Kicker: Tyler Bass
Defensive Line: AJ Epenesa, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Gregory Rousseau Linebackers: Terrell Bernard, Dorian Williams Cornerbacks: Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson (NB) Safeties: Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop Punter: Jack Browning
Buffalo Bills Highlights
In 2023, the Bills had the 2nd NFL defense in touchdowns conceded in the air, the 3rd in interceptions! Very little mentioned among the best, the cornerback group is of great quality: Rasul Douglas (5 interceptions and 3 fumbles recovered), Christian Benford (10 passes defended and only 2 touchdowns conceded), Taron Johnson (98 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 8 passes defended). And during this offseason, Kaiir Elam (1st round pick in 2022) finally seems to show progress.
The loss of linebacker Matt Milano to injury hurts. But without him for 14 games in 2023, the Bills had the 3rd-ranked defense in ball recoveries (18 interceptions and 12 fumbles). The excellent Terrel Bernard (143 tackles including 10 for losses and 3 interceptions) is a solid leader on the second curtain. The explosive Dorian Williams compensates for the departure of Tyrel Dodson.
Coach Sean McDermott has been a defensive specialist in the NFL since 2001 and it shows in his teaching.
Josh Allen looks like a Super Bowl MVP. His powerful arm can punish the opponent, as well as his mobility: the only quarterback in history to have scored more than 40 touchdowns four consecutive seasons (combining passing and rushing)! And with Mitch Trubisky, the Bills have one of the best backups in the league: enough to continue to be effective if Josh Allen were to miss two or three games.
The Bills were the offense that allowed the fewest sacks in 2023. Dion Dawkins only allowed 2 sacks in 644 passing situations! ESPN even ranks him 4th in the NFL in pass block win rate. In addition, quarterback Josh Allen knows how to escape pressure like few others.
Connor McGovern was very good at guard in 2023 and should play center in 2024. In his second year, O'Cyrus Torrence could prove why he was a steal with the 59th pick in the 2023 draft. On the far right, Spencer Brown is solid in protection and an even better run game.
The last element of this “top five” seems the least good. A quarterback in high school, David Edwards had been able to develop his body in college to play on the offensive line. Struggling and then injured with the Rams, he had time to learn the Bills' offensive schemes in 2023: 15 games but playing only 13% of possible plays. The quality of his four teammates should mask his limitations.
Runner James Cook surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground and added 445 yards and 4 touchdowns after receptions. He confirms all the good that the editorial team thought before his draft. Young Re'Mahn Ray Davis had a childhood that was so much more difficult than the average: his character and his quality make him the perfect strong and willing contact runner!
Buffalo Bills Weaknesses
Having to replace the prolific and iconic Micah Hyde/Jordan Poyer tandem is bound to be a problem! The step is very high for Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards and the young and versatile Cole Bishop.
Uncertainty reigns at receiver! If Stefon Diggs disrupted the locker room, he always exceeded 1000 yards each of the four seasons spent in Buffalo! Deprived of a “number 1”, the Bills now rely on a committee.
Sure, the quality is there, but none of these players have been in a position to lead a team in big games. Khalil Shakir is the only receiver on the 2024 roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen. With just five touchdowns in 33 games, he's going to have to step up his game-changing impact.
Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have shown qualities of good “number 2/3” so far. Chosen with the first pick of the 2024 second round, Keon Coleman will be valuable to impose himself in the so-called “50/50” duels. But only a beginner and still having to develop his ability to create separation, he should contribute but not to the point of carrying the aerial attack.
However, in this area, the staff has high hopes for the second year of the player below.
Buffalo Bills X-Factor: Dalton Kincaid (TE)
Inspired by the success of other franchises with their tight ends (Chiefs, Ravens, Lions or 49ers), the Bills expect a lot from Dalton Kincaid in 2024.
In the 2023 draft, Buffalo finalized a trade with Jacksonville to get him. Immediately important in the system, his 777 yards (including playoffs) contributed to the team's success. But now he must do much better than just 3 touchdowns in 18 games.
Although struck by a generalized “playfulness”, the American football fan knows that it is a team sport: the automatisms between a quarterback and his targets are fundamental! A second preparation after a full season could be decisive for his connection with Josh Allen.
Player to watch: Ed Oliver (DT)
Author of 51 tackles including 9.5 sacks in 2023, Ed Oliver is considered a top 10 player at his position. In 2024, he could continue his progression and join the top 5. He confirms this ambition on the franchise's official website.
“I studied my games from last season: I saw when I was in difficulty and I understood why! So now I know how to thwart the plans of the offensive lines.”
Author of 72 pressures (playoffs included) and 41% success against the run (5th NFL at his position), Ed Oliver has all the assets to become a feared defensive leader.
Buffalo Bills 2024 Schedule
Cardinals, @Dolphins, Jaguars, @Ravens, @Texans, @Jets, Titans, @Seahawks, Dolphins, @Colts, Chiefs, BYE, 49ers, @Rams, @Lions, Patriots, Jets, @Patriots
The 2024 schedule allows the Buffalo Bills to test themselves. In addition to the Dolphins and Jets in their AFC East division, they face such formidable contenders as the Chiefs, 49ers, Ravens, Rams, Lions and Texans.
If a few wins against these opponents boost their confidence, then this team will be very difficult to stop.
The Buffalo Bills audio preview
In summary
Their season will hardly be flamboyant with the 6th toughest schedule (based on 2023 results). But in the playoffs what fan of another team will be confident before facing them?
Five consecutive seasons in the playoffs: this is not an ordinary performance. But if they managed to play the ultimate game, what would the result be? In their NFL history, the Bills have played in four Super Bowls but lost them all!
