Did Buffalo Blow It?

 

Disclaimer: I am a full time OBGYN and am in no way, shape, or form, a sport analyst or journalist. These are simply my reactions and thoughts.

So, I am going to keep this post short and to the point because I have family in town and oral board exams are right around the corner. I was at the game Thursday night, and I definitely had to give myself time to cool down before writing this. 

So here are some of my thoughts about week 12's disappointing loss to Houston:

1. Joe Brady either needs to go back to college football or figure out how to get back to the offensive coordinator we had last year. His play calling this year has been so frustrating. We basically tried throwing the ball on almost every first down, and Allen kept getting sacked or we would lose yards. Just change it up some and run the ball! Even just a couple yards on first down is better than losing yards. Also, when you have a 4th and 1 and are in field goal range against arguably the best defense in the AFC, you kick the field goal! If we had done that, we would have gone into the 2 min drive behind by one point (or tied if that extra point wasn't missed). We would have won the game. I will be haunted by that 4th down call. I hope Brady and McDermott learned a lesson. If you are able to score points against an amazing defense, just take the points. Even if it is "just" a field goal. Josh Allen was sacked 8 times and hit a total of 12 times. Our franchise MVP quarterback hit that many times in one game is beyond acceptable. I wouldn't blame him if he called his agent last night.
   
   
2. Our defense was embarrassing. We let a backup quarterback throw for 153 yards. We again allowed over 100 rushing yards. I will say, the defense did improve in the second half despite the injuries, but it was too little too late. We had no sacks, only 4 quarterback hits, and 3 tackles for a loss. Though, I am enjoying watching Bishop and Poyer playing together. They were both all over that field last night. I am honestly out of words and don't know what else to say. I fear it will only get worse with all the injuries stacking up. Time for McDermott to get to work figuring out the problems and find some solutions. I, for whatever reason, typically lump defense and special teams together. Probably because of fantasy football. The highlight of the night was Ray Davis running the kickoff back for a 97-yard touchdown. Nice birthday touchdown for him!
   
   
3. Unfortunately, our season isn't going to get easier. Next week, we will be away again playing the Steelers. Fortunately, their defense has been struggling and is currently last in yards per game allowed. Hopefully we can take advantage of that and get a win on the road. Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a wrist injury; this is something to keep an eye on this Sunday. However, I feel like you never know what you are going to get with their defense and Aaron Rodgers. Then, week 14 we play the Bengals, who will likely have Joe Burrow back. Again, their defense has not been doing well; so hopefully it will be a shoot-out, and we will end up winning. The two biggest games I am the most nervous about are weeks 15 (New England) and 17 (Eagles). I am hoping we can get some revenge against the Patriots, and that our defense learns to tackle so they can stop Barkley. 

Last thought, it is never a good sign when Josh Allen is seen on the sidelines asking, "What are we doing?" I will leave you with this question: are we wasting Allen's best years?

I promise, next week my post will get back to normal with another aspect of Women's Health addressed. But for now, I am trying to put the game in the past and enjoy some family time. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! 

Win or lose, Buffalo is still my team. 

As always, and in the words of our MVP, be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills!

Rachel H. MD