Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - That was better. Much better.
The Buffalo Bills offense looked more like its usual self in Thursday night's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, much to the delight of a fanbase that had grown more concerned about its performances over the last three games.
There were a number of positive developments, including some early scoring.
The Bills' first drive of the game produced a field goal, which was the first time they scored in the first quarter in four weeks. That drive saw the Bills play with some tempo, and it made a difference, as it brought out energy in both the offensive unit on the field and in the packed stands at Highmark Stadium.
It sure looked like they let quarterback Josh Allen and the offense do what they do best: Use 11 personnel, (three wide receivers, one tight end and one running back) - their bread and butter - and let Allen do his thing.
On, what turned out to be, a 10-play, 77-yard drive, Allen went 6-of-7 for 64 yards, but it was a running play that drew loud cheers from members of "Bills Mafia". On their second play of the series, the Bills called a designed quarterback draw for Allen that gained eight yards. Those designed Allen runs have been few-and-far between this season.
I'm all for keeping Allen healthy and not overusing him with runs, but it felt like the coaches had almost completely taken that out of the offense. His legs are a tremendous weapon, and it was nice to see the Bills taking advantage of that once again.
Allen also ran on scrambles, whereas in previous games it appeared he was scrambling only to pass. On Allen's second quarter touchdown run from 13 yards out, he dropped back and took a quick look for a pass, but when he saw a gaping hole, he opted to run and easily made it to the end zone.
The Bills, who scored a grand total of 10 points in the first half over their three previous games, had 17 on the board by halftime. It should have been 24, but they were stopped on two plays from the Buccaneers' one-yard line.
Note to the Bills coaches, if you are reading this: Please stop lining up in shotgun when you have the ball at the opponent's one-yard line and have a linebacker-sized quarterback who can score on a keeper.
It's possible the Bills opted not to do that, because Allen's right shoulder has been bothering him and they didn't want him to get hit. But, at least, put him under center and make the Buccaneers have to account for that possibility as they line up defensively.
While the offense looked much better in that first half, it was a different story in the second half, but much of that was by design.
After scoring a touchdown on the first drive of the second half, the Bills punted on their next four possessions. Head coach Sean McDermott was clearly playing the field position game and opted to try and pin an average, at best, Buccaneers offense deep in their own end.
There were four fourth down decisions for McDermott in the second half and he opted for a punt every time:
- Leading 24-10 in the third quarter with a 4th-and-5 at the Bills' 49-yard line
- Leading 24-10 in the fourth quarter with a 4th-and-4 at the Buccaneers' 42-yard line
- Leading 24-10 in the fourth quarter with a 4th-and-2 at the Buccaneers' 44-yard line
- Leading 24-18 with 31 seconds left and facing 4th-and-1 at Tampa Bay's 48-yard line
That last one I didn't have a problem with since a failed fourth down conversion would have made it much easier for the Buccaneers to get a game-winning touchdown. The two prior to that I definitely thought they should have gone for it in an attempt to, at least, take more time off the clock, if not add more points to ice the game.
As it turned out, Sam Martin did exactly what the coaches wanted him to do by placing two of those punts inside the Buccaneers' five-yard line, and one other inside the 10.
Martin was part of an improved showing from special teams, which also had some issues in recent games.
Tyler Bass, who missed three of his last four field goal attempts, went 1-for-1 with a kick of 37 yards.
Deonte Harty had a 24-yard punt return that set up the offense at Tampa Bay's 24-yard line. Allen and company would cash in with a touchdown on that drive.
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It wasn't easy, though.
The Buccaneers did have a Hail Mary attempt on the final play of the game, but the Bills got a victory they had to have. It wasn't a must-win from a mathematical standpoint, but it was from a mental standpoint, and it keeps them within reach of the first place Miami Dolphins.
Enjoy the extra few days of rest, everyone!
