The Buffalo Bills’ revamped defense struggled against Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens on national TV for Sunday Night Football. The coaching staff also didn’t provide much support.
The Bills suffered a 35-10 loss to the Ravens, ending their streak of 43 games without a loss greater than six points. Henry ran for 199 yards, while Jackson added 54 yards on the ground.
Interestingly, there are similarities between this game and the last time the Bills lost by more than six points. In that game, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 185 yards with four touchdowns to defeat the Bills, with no wide receiver or tight end gaining more than 30 receiving yards.
Similarly, in Sunday night’s game, the Bills didn’t have a player with more than 10 carries or 50 yards rushing. The coaching staff’s decisions have come under scrutiny after the defeat.
Head coach Sean McDermott’s decision-making, including a questionable punt on 4th & 2, has been a topic of discussion. The rationale behind his choices has been debated post-game.
Sean McDermott on 4th and 2 decision to punt on first drive:
“Felt like just the feel of the game at that point it was too early to take a chance.”
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) September 30, 2024
The debate continues on whether McDermott’s decisions were appropriate given the circumstances of the game. The offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s play calls and the failed trick play have also faced criticism.
The Bills’ use of trick plays and their timing have been questioned, especially considering the momentum they had built before the failed attempt. The high variance nature of trick plays was highlighted.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich’s strategy against the Ravens has also been scrutinized, with the Bills opting for light boxes against a team known for its strong running game.
As the Bills regroup for their next game against the Houston Texans, they hope to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions moving forward.
…and that’s the way the cookie crumbles. I’m Bruce Nolan with Buffalo Rumblings. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram @BruceExclusive and look for new episodes of “The Bruce Exclusive” every Thursday on the Rumblings Cast Network — see more in my LinkTree!