Bills Coach Urges Team to Reset After Loss to Falcons

The Buffalo Bills enter their bye week reeling from a two-game losing streak, falling to a 4-2 record after a 24-14 defeat against the Atlanta Falcons on October 9, 2023. Coach Sean McDermott emphasized the need for a fresh start, stating the team must “start from ground zero” to address their struggles on offense, defense, and special teams.

In his postgame remarks, McDermott expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, reiterating that the effort was “not good enough.” The loss to the Falcons pushed the Bills behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East standings. Following the game, the coach acknowledged the bye week as an opportunity for players to recuperate from injuries, though he noted there are no guarantees about who might return.

Several key players, including tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (calf), missed the game. Additionally, wide receiver Joshua Palmer left the field early due to an ankle injury, while linebacker Terrel Bernard did not return for the second half due to his own ankle issue.

Defensive Struggles and Offensive Inconsistencies

The Bills’ defense faced significant challenges, allowing a staggering 335 yards in the first half, marking the highest total allowed by the team since 2001. Most of these yards came from running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, who combined for 299 yards. While the defense improved in the second half, conceding only a field goal and limiting the Falcons to one drive over 35 yards, the offense struggled to find rhythm.

Quarterback Josh Allen faced a relentless Falcons defense, throwing two interceptions and being sacked four times. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, both scored in the opening drives of each half. Allen’s rushing performance saw him gain an additional 42 yards on six carries. He assured reporters that he sustained no injuries during the game, despite McDermott mentioning that the pressure on Allen was “too hard.”

This season, Allen has been sacked 12 times, just two away from his total in the entire 2024 regular season. He faced pressure on an alarming 47.1% of his dropbacks, a rate not seen since the 2020 AFC Championship Game. The Falcons blitzed Allen on 55.9% of his dropbacks, the highest rate he has encountered since Week 8 of 2021.

Team Dynamics and Play Calling Issues

In the wake of the loss, Allen took responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, stressing the importance of improving protections and movement in the pocket. “I’ve got to be better,” he stated, reflecting on the need for a collective effort to enhance performance.

Right tackle Spencer Brown echoed Allen’s sentiments, noting the need for improved technique and practice. He expressed concern for their quarterback, highlighting the importance of ensuring Allen’s safety during games.

Running back James Cook, who rushed for 87 yards on 17 carries, did not participate in any of the nine third-down plays the team faced. McDermott acknowledged this oversight and stated it would be addressed during the bye week. Cook commented, “I control what I can control,” emphasizing his focus on performance.

With less than two weeks until their next game against the Carolina Panthers, Allen stated that the loss would weigh on him. “It’s going to eat at me the next two weeks,” he said. He expressed a commitment to improving as the Bills aim to regroup and refocus ahead of their upcoming matchup.