The Buffalo Bills are making this final playoff push as they ready themselves for a big upcoming clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Josh Allen, who has been managing a right elbow injury, participated fully in practice on Wednesday, indicating his readiness for the challenge ahead. Even with practice behind him, Wilson was at work preparing for his debut, catching passes from newly signed receiver Brandin Cooks and running-mate ▪️FB Keon Coleman.
Allen acknowledged the team’s current position in the season, saying, “We understand where we’re at.” As the stakes increased, so did his insistence that they get better on the offensive end. Shehan noted turnovers as the number one issue plaguing the team. Getting this right is important to removing the new arbitrary hurdles they’ve encountered. Allen has now thrown multiple interceptions in each of the last two games, jeopardizing both the team’s offensive rhythm and Allen’s unshakeable confidence.
Recent Additions and Offensive Dynamics
One of the more interesting moves in this league of backups was the Bills signing WR Brandin Cooks to their active roster on Tuesday. Cooks, a former first-round draft choice who had played in only 10 games previously for the New Orleans Saints, catching 19 passes for 165 yards. His presence and skill set would be a terrific addition as the Bills look to further improve their offensive attack.
In the words of Head Coach Sean McDermott on Cooks’ addition, “Good addition. The Bills’ offense currently averages an impressive 32.5 points per game at home, contrasting sharply with their 23.2 points per game average on the road. This gap goes to show the need for making venue specific adjustments to more accurately reflect an expected scoring output no matter the playing surface.
The dynamic between Allen and new acquisitions Cooks and Coleman in practice serves as an embodiment of the urgency that the team feels above all else. As the playoff race heats up, Allen stated, “At the same time, we have full confidence in ourselves. … Ultimately it comes down to executing on game days.” That confidence is going to be key as they look to open their season against a nasty Steelers defense fronted by T.J. Watt.
A Focus on Running Game Improvement
Bobby Babich, the Bills’ defensive coordinator, indicated on multiple occasions that the personnel and scheme had to be better in the running game. He remarked, “We have to do a better job of that run game and making sure we’re controlling that line of scrimmage earlier in the game.” This statement is indicative of a larger strategy to alleviate pressure from Allen and develop a more well-rounded, varied attack.
Make no mistake, James Cook III has been the home run king in the Georgia running game this season. In just 2024, he’s tallied seven rushing touchdowns of 40+ yards. His auto-sacking achievement all but ensures he’ll top the NFL leaderboard in this category. His flat-out running, kick returning style is the type of game breaker that will change games. The Bills to develop a fierce ground assault on the Steelers.
The upcoming matchup against Pittsburgh will not only test the Bills’ offensive capabilities but their ability to adapt under pressure. With the Steelers’ defense likely their toughest test yet, this is a major threat to their effectiveness if they remain as turnover-prone as they have been.
December and January Success
If recent history is any indication, the Bills could be in for success throughout the end of the regular season. They’ve made that happen with an amazing 85.2% winning percentage in December and January since 2020. This continued brilliance has solidified them as arguably the most successful team over this vital corridor. This statistic inspires a whole new level of urgency for the team. They’re eager to stay hot to continue their playoff push.
It’s something coaches and players are well aware of with every game being critical at this point in the season. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Bills are focusing on executing their game plan effectively while building confidence through teamwork and communication.
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