Report card: Bills lose 24-22 vs. Broncos
Check out Bills Wire’s Week 10 report card for the Buffalo Bills (5-5) following the team’s 24-22 loss against the Denver Broncos:
Quarterback: D
One of, if not the, worst games Josh Allen has had this season. The Bills did move the ball at times and failed to put up points. A big part of that was Allen’s three turnovers. If you’re giving it away that many times it’s not even worth our time to write the rest of your stats.
Running back: B+
You cannot realistically give this group an “A” because of the two fumbles James Cook had. One came on the first play, the other he luckily didn’t lose.
In the end, Cook did lead the entire Bills offense with 109 rushing yards on 12 carries. Even Latavius Murray had a promising chip in: 68 yards on nine carries with a touchdown.
Wide receiver: D
Likewise to Allen, Stefon Diggs had his worst game of the year with only three catches for 34 yards. Gabe Davis again had minimal impact: He had one catch that did go for 37 yards (56 total) but then had killed a drive but tipping a pass that was then picked off.
Tight end: B
Kincaid found a great opening in the Broncos defense for his touchdown. He also hauled in five of six targets for 51 yards. His lone miss was a drop, though.
Offensive line: A-
In a bit of a surprise twist, the Bills offensive line did their part but the rest of the unit did not.
Dion Dawkins was Buffalo’s highest-graded player on offense overall with an excellent 87.2 mark via Pro Football Focus‘ metrics.
As a group, the success in the run game speaks for itself and even though Allen struggled it was not because there was pressure in his face. The Broncos did not sack him and per PFF, he was pressured just six times.
Defensive line: A-
The Broncos were determined to run the ball on the Bills and had some successes with 122 yards on the ground… but that required 38 total carries and just an average of 3.2 yards per carry. That total also factors in nine carries for 30 yards by Russell Wilson and none of his carries were designed QB runs.
Speaking of Wilson, he was sacked four times and there were some absolutely clutch ones late, including AJ Epenesa’s takedown just before disaster struck.
Linebacker: B
Both of Buffalo’s linebacker’s had favorable outings. After clearing concussion protocol, Terrel Bernard continued to produce, adding a team-high 13 tackles and one sack to his totals.
Maybe this is an unfair knock, but Tyrel Dodson was still being subbed out on passing downs which isn’t ideal. This game was telling that the Bills really don’t trust him there.
Micah Hyde (neck) did not play. Previously, Taylor Rapp was subbing in for Dodson on passing downs but he had to fill-in for Hyde. In this scenario, the Bills turned to Cam Lewis on passing downs. They really do not want Dodson out there for any passes…
Added note: The blitzing cost Buffalo at times. Not good enough.
Secondary: C-
Denver wideout Courtland Sutton made an amazing touchdown catch but that’s still a knock. He barely had any space… just take away that final one percent and he doesn’t make the grab.
Cornerback Taron Johnson, ironically, had the best and worst play for the secondary. He forced a fumble… then gave up the game-losing pass interference penalty.
Special teams: D
We’re all pointing toward 12 men on the field… but the Broncos’ average starting spot was their own 41-yard line. Denver returner Marvin Mims Jr. had two punt returns for 44 yards as well. Just bad coverage all around.
Meanwhile, the Bills didn’t have much going in their own return game.
At least kicker Tyler Bass connected on what was the game-winning extra point… which just went down as an extra point in the end.
Coaching: F
12 men.
