Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills got back to their big-winning ways in Week 5, blowing out the Pittsburgh Steelers, 38-3, at Highmark Stadium.
For the third time this season, the grades are about to be super easy to write up, and there's plenty of fun things to say.
It's gonna look less like grading and more of a recollection of highlights:
Passing offense:
Welp, Gabe Davis is back.
It took until offensive play No. 3 for Bills fans to remember why the team didn't really go crazy in adding to the wide receiver position, because of No. 13. Davis, with two bombs for touchdowns, is clearly their deep threat, and the Bills missed these past few weeks when he was banged up.
Khalil Shakir took full advantage of the slot with Isaiah McKenzie's absence.
Clean pockets almost all game, and a career-best 424 yards passing from Josh Allen. Even the bad throw for an interception cannot stop this category from perfection.
GRADE: A+
Rushing offense:
We had our first non-Allen touchdown of the season on the ground, courtesy of rookie James Cook.
Devin Singletary was in a rough patch before ripping off a 23-yard run.
Zack Moss had just one carry, but managed to cause groans, falling after a solid gain that could have been a big play.
The run game wasn't atrocious like previous weeks, and Singletary and Allen tied for most yards rushing this week. However, the run blocking is still going to remain a concern all year.
GRADE: B+
Special teams:
Whew, Taiwan Jones caused fans to panic to start the game. After Jones bobbled the opening kickoff and got tackled at the Bills' two-yard line, there was some real concern for missing McKenzie.
However, in the only other kickoff return for the Bills, Shakir looked good. I'd imagine the coaches make him McKenzie's backup from here on out.
Tyler Bass had a kick blocked, which cannot happen. Meanwhile, Sam Martin looks solid when he is sparingly used.
GRADE: B+
Passing defense:
The Bills were without Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Christian Benford, and still frustrated the Steelers all game.
While Kaiir Elam had a tough stretch in this game, he did also come away with his first career interception. Damar Hamlin continues to look the part as Micah Hyde's replacement.
Von Miller and the pass rush will continue to be relied upon with a banged up secondary.
GRADE: A
Rushing defense:
No Tremaine Edmunds, and this defense still dominated the Steelers up front. This wasn't even close.
Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips returning to action helped a strong line get even stronger. Dominant in every facet against the run.
GRADE: A+
Coaching:
Even the perfect games have their flaws, but they are more nit-picking than anything.
Still unsure why Shakir wasn't given primary return duties to open up, still not a huge fan of the quarterback power when Allen's best running comes from scrambles.
Regardless, this team's depth has been tested and they still collect wins. That is a testament to coaches having everyone ready for their moment.
GRADE: A
