The Buffalo Bills, after being the best team nobody’s talking about at 6-2, are at an inflection point. With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, each move is crucial. With limited cap space and pressing needs in both the passing game and defensive depth, the team must carefully consider its options to enhance their performance for the remainder of the season. General Manager Brandon Beane’s history of making in-season trades creates a sense of urgency to their decision-making process.
The Bills are the league’s cap space misers, with only $1.6 million left on their cap. This financial constraint limits their ability to go after big name trades and makes them have to consider their choices more judiciously. Whether they look inside or outside their roster for solutions, they need to be more precise in their areas of focus. Addressing these 2 needs would significantly improve their odds in the playoffs.
Analyzing the Passing Game
Though they’ve achieved a gaudy 5-1 record, the Bills’ passing game is starting to raise some concerning red flags. Quarterback Josh Allen is averaging just 7.3 air yards per attempted pass, a career low. Even worse, Allen has thrown the lowest rate of attempts of 20-plus air yards at 10.8%. This disturbing trend only adds to the concern over just how effective their high-powered offense will be going forward.
During a recent matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen demonstrated his efficiency by throwing just three incomplete passes, with no off-target throws. One of the most impactful areas for the team’s tight ends in this game was their aggressiveness, accounting for 149 receiving yards. Running back James Cook had an explosive 100-yard rushing game, giving fans a glimpse of their NFL No. 1 ranked rushing attack.
While all of these developments are very encouraging, the Bills’ wide receiver corps is still a serious question mark. In the Chiefs game, Khalil Shakir was a bright spot as the only wide receiver with consistent targets and production. This is another example of a troubling lack of quality depth at that position. With the NFL trade deadline creeping ever closer, the Bills need to figure out their best option. They do need to figure out if they can add more talent at WR to better improve Allen’s passing game.
Defensive Depth Challenges
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills are currently facing some heavy injury losses that might derail their success in 2021. Safety Taylor Rapp has recently undergone knee surgery and is probably done for the season by all indications. This absence places increased pressure on veteran Jordan Poyer and rookie Jordan Hancock, who may need to assume larger roles in the defensive scheme.
Coach Sean McDermott is optimistic that safety Damar Hamlin can come back after a few more weeks. Clouding his recovery timeline is a whole lot of uncertainty. The possibility of losing influential figures such as Rapp and Hamlin underscores an important point. They need to solidify their secondary as they prepare for important divisional showdowns.
Therefore, having proven players like Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa remain healthy is of the utmost importance. Their health is crucial for the team’s postseason aspirations. Their management now has to weigh the possibility of going after more defensive talent via trades and if that’s realistic with all the cap space they don’t have.
The Path Forward for Brandon Beane
General Manager Brandon Beane is known to aggressively pursue strategic trades in season. He’s been able to lure in some big names, like wideout Amari Cooper and corner Rasul Douglas. As he contemplates potential trades before the deadline, he must balance immediate needs with long-term implications for team chemistry and salary cap management.
Second-year player, Javon Solomon, will likely be depended on if the Bills choose to make substantial additions elsewhere. Solomon has shown promise in limited opportunities but would undoubtedly face challenges stepping into a more prominent role amidst a playoff push.
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