Report card: Bye week grades for the Bills
The Buffalo Bills took their week off while sitting at a 6-6 record. The team has had plenty of ups and downs on the way there.
Some positions on the roster had a bigger impact than others. How does each hold up?
Here is Bills Wire’s positional report card for the team at the bye:
Quarterbacks: B-
As of late, Josh Allen has turned it up. However, for a majority of the season, he has still had issues turning over the ball. Allen’s 13 interceptions are second-most in the NFL… then again, his 24 touchdown passes are also second-most in the league. Based on those metrics, an average grade feels right.
Running back: C+
James Cook has proven to be a consistent rusher in his first season as the Bills’ No. 1 rusher. His impact in the passing game is clear to see, too. Regardless of it being Ken Dorsey or Joe Brady at offensive coordinator, there isn’t much of a desire to lean on the ground game ever.
Wide receiver: C
Stefon Diggs continues to roll as the best playmaker Buffalo has outside of the quarterback position. Slowly but surely, Khalil Shakir has emerged as the Bills’ best option out of the slot.
The problem for this position is the other end of the ledger is very far off from top-tier production. Teammates love Gabe Davis, but he’s not producing consistently. Deonte Harty has proven to be a free-agent bust for the most part, too.
Tight end: C+
Early this season, the two tight end system was not working. In fact, since Dawson Knox has been on injured reserve (wrist) the production the Bills are getting with first-round rookie Dalton Kincaid by himself is much better. It remains to be seen what happens when Knox returns.
Offensive line: B
In years past, the Bills offensive line has always looked better on paper because of Allen’s mobility. But the run game has shown signs of life in 2023 because Buffalo’s front five have played well. Despite the injury bug that has bitten elsewhere, the health has been perfect on the O-line which helps a lot.
Defensive line: B+
Despite Von Miller still being a non-factor, the defensive front has thrived this season. Leonard Floyd has proven to be a strong addition as he leads the Bills with 9.5 sacks. Alongside him, AJ Epenesa has had a breakout year as well.
In the middle, Ed Oliver has become what Buffalo’s front office hope he would become when he was drafted in the top 10. He leads the line from the defensive tackle position, far out-snapping anyone else there.
Linebackers: B
While Terrel Bernard has shown signs of being a long-term answer in the middle, without Matt Milano, the Bills don’t have anyone they trust. Tyrel Dodson has played over the likes of third-round rookie Dorian Williams but he comes off the field on passing downs.
But expectations were not very high for this group at one point this year. They’ve exceeded some of those expectations.
Secondary: C+
Losing Tre’Davious White hurt but the Bills have managed to stay afloat. The mid-season acquisition of Rasul Douglas is playing dividends but Buffalo’s safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer appear to be showing signs of aging.
Coaching: C-
The Bills had Super Bowl aspirations and now might not even make the postseason. The team is squarely “in the hunt,” and despite the credit Sean McDermott has in the bank, it does fall on him.
But McDermott’s grade gets a recent bump. His decision to move from Dorsey to Brady has paid off so far.
