What we’ve learned about the Bills this season following the bye week
The Buffalo Bills are ready to resume football this week as the 2023 bye is over. Up next is a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But before the Bills (6-6) take in another game, there’s already plenty we have learned about this team in 2023.
With that, here are eight things we’ve learned before the week off and as they come out of their bye week this season:
Close games have been a struggle
It seems that the narrative has turned regarding the Bills in close games. In the past, it was a problem that Buffalo only wins close games and doesn’t put the foot down on opponents… now here we are.
In one possession games, the Bills are 2-6 in 2023.
Joe Brady passes... for now
The Bills decided to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and move onto Joe Brady. In two games, the offense has performed well, scoring 66 points in his first two games leading the unit.
But the audition will really begin coming out of the bye. Brady’s offense in Buffalo now has two games of it on film–And tough upcoming opponents such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of film on it.
The defensive line works without Von (and what is happening there?)
As a team, the 41 sacks the Bills have put up this season is the third-most of any team in the NFL. Leonard Floyd leads Buffalo with 9.5 and the continued breakouts of AJ Epenesa and Ed Oliver have been great.
But this all puts a light on Von Miller. He’s essentially been invisible for the team. He has no sacks since returning from his knee injury.
Plus, there’s now this off-field incident the Bills will likely address this upcoming week.
We’ve learned a lot about Von…
Khalil Shakir has found his footing (as Gabe has not)
Some good and (more) bad at receiver for the Bills this season.
Despite Brady saying Gabe Davis was the “player of the game” in recent weeks after not even catching one pass… that’s not good. Davis is in a contract year and has not earned the role of No. 2 receiver going forward.
On the flip side, Khalil Shakir has tossed his name in the ring in recent weeks. The problem is, Shakir has featured out of the slot and has essentially replaced Dawson Knox (wrist) during his time on injured reserve.
When Knox is back, what happens? Shakir has played well.
The team should still add playmakers this offseason, regardless. Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty, who both signed in Buffalo this offseason, haven’t done much.
Rook is pretty good
Copy and paste: When Knox comes back, what happens? The Bills did not see a breakout in their first-round rookie, tight end Dalton Kincaid, until Knox was sidelined.
A big ask of Brady will be how he can make Kincaid, Knox, and Shakir useful to the offense.
Trade was worth it
Rasul Douglas looks to be a player that will be a good acquisition by the Bills.
Buffalo failed to record an interception since Week 4, Douglas was acquired at the 2023 NFL trade deadline, and he has two.
If Tre’Davious White (Achilles) returns next season and can produce, the Bills will have a formidable cornerback room. The issues in the secondary are now turning toward the safety position. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are showing some signs of aging.
The O-line... is good?
The Bills offensive line has looked better this season. In recent seasons, the mobility of quarterback Josh Allen is what makes the O-line look better than it is.
For proof of actual improvement, look toward Pro Football Focus.
At the end of last season, Buffalo’s front five were ranked as only the 23rd best offensive line in the NFL. Prior to the bye, the Bills were at No. 9 overall. That’s not elite status but it’s a huge improvement.
McDermott's seat
Bills head coach Sean McDermott is not sitting comfortable for the first time in his career. Fans are calling for him to be fired for the first time.
McDermott is reportedly not going anywhere, which makes sense. He has a lot of credit in the bank after breaking the playoff drought.
But the biggest thing we’ve learned so far in 2023 is that McDermott’s seat is warming up.
