“…this loss was completely unacceptable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations”
By V-Ry the Sports Guy, pictured is Josh Allen following 22-16 loss to the Jets
I don’t know where to start when analyzing the embarrassment that was the Bills’ performance versus the Jets on Monday Night Football. I have been a Bills fan for over 30 years and have seen some bad losses during that time but this one is right up there. The Bills had a similarly horrendous loss last season against the Jets that cost them better playoff seeding. Like that one, this loss was completely unacceptable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, particularly on national television.
The Good
A bright spot on offense as usual was the play of wide receiver Stefon Diggs . The perennial All-Pro showed off his reliable hands and fluid route running beating his man consistently finishing the game with 10 receptions for 102 yards and 1 touchdown. Although the numbers weren’t that impressive, running back James Cook flashed some good things on tape. Cook finished the game with just 12 carries for 46 yards but exhibited amazing quickness and burst.
A major bright spot came on defense with the dominant play of outside linebacker Matt Milano. The defensive stalwart was all over the field making big hits finishing the game with eight tackles and an interception.
Another defender with an impressive performance was Leonard Floyd. The veteran looked fast off the edge creating havoc in the backfield finishing the game with 1.5 sacks and numerous quarterback pressures.
The Bad
The Bills’ offensive line was atrocious in this game even though the team invested heavily in the offseason through free agency and the draft. The line gave up a number of sacks and numerous quarterback pressures and was penalized at the most inopportune moments. A major culprit was right tackle Spencer Brown who was called for a false start on the first play of overtime. Brown was consistently outmatched in pass protection allowing pressure on Josh Allen throughout the game.
The run defense was terrible to put it mildly with defenders consistently out of position and getting knocked off the ball. The Jets gashed the Bills’ defense throughout the game on the ground to the tune of 172 yards rushing. Another poor performance was that of cornerback Tre’Davious White. White surrendered the game tying touchdown and over pursued the ball carrier to allow an 83-yard run.
The Ugly
Finally, the reason the Bills ultimately lost this game was due to the deplorable play of quarterback Josh Allen. Allen had 4 turnovers including 3 interceptions to the same opposing defender and 1 very costly fumble. The franchise quarterback also risked injury on a number of plays trying to play the hero which led to big hits and 3 fumbles 1 was lost 1 was recovered and 1 was called down prematurely. Allen summed it up perfectly himself stating “Same [blank], same plays, different day.” Let’s hope this game wasn’t a preview of what’s to come from Allen this season.
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