Success for the Buffalo Bills offense in 2024, as in previous seasons, hinges on the performance of quarterback Josh Allen. Allen is off to one of the best starts of his career, putting himself into early MVP conversations. He’s leading an offense that has undergone significant changes, with an almost entirely new wide receiver corps and a new full-time offensive coordinator, Joe Brady. Brady, after a full offseason of preparation, has implemented a scheme that emphasizes adapting to the defense and spreading the ball around to multiple players. This strategy has been evident through the first four games, although it hit a rough patch in Week 4 with a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Head coach Sean McDermott has praised Allen’s growth and consistency, noting his maturity and ability to adjust to defenses. Allen’s ability to read defenses and make smart decisions has become a focal point for the team, with McDermott expressing optimism about how Allen will continue to develop throughout the season. Despite setbacks, such as losing key offensive pieces like wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and Gabe Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen has managed to keep the Bills’ offense running smoothly. He leads the NFL in total QBR and has avoided throwing interceptions in the first four games, which is a first for him. The only notable issue has been a few fumbles, including one on a trick play against the Ravens.
The Bills’ offensive success will continue to rely heavily on Allen, but their philosophy of “everybody eats” is crucial. This approach means spreading the ball around and ensuring that all players, regardless of position, contribute on any given play. This mindset is especially important with the departure of Diggs, who previously dominated targets. Now, players like wide receiver Khalil Shakir, tight end Dalton Kincaid, and rookie Keon Coleman have stepped up, providing Allen with multiple receiving options. Shakir has emerged as a key target with the highest target share on the team, although he is currently sidelined with an injury. Knox, another target, appreciates the unpredictability of the offense, which keeps defenses guessing and maximizes the versatility of the team’s playmakers.
The running game has also seen improvement, led by running back James Cook, who ranks high in yards before contact, signaling strong offensive line play. The Bills rank sixth in yards after the catch, a significant improvement from the previous season, with Shakir leading in that category. The balanced attack through the air and on the ground supports Allen and helps the team adapt to various game situations.
To maintain success throughout the season, especially without a dominant No. 1 receiver, the Bills will need to continue fostering connections between Allen and his array of offensive weapons. As they prepare to face the Houston Texans and Diggs in Week 5, players like Kincaid, Coleman, and Curtis Samuel will need to step up, ensuring that everyone on the team “eats” as they move forward.
