The “Cooooop” chants that filled Highmark Stadium during the Buffalo Bills’ first home game since Week 3 showcased the enthusiasm around the team’s recent trade for wide receiver Amari Cooper. This addition is seen as a significant improvement to the Bills’ roster and brings renewed hope for the team’s receiving corps.
The Bills currently hold a strong 5-2 record, leading the AFC East. However, their upcoming game against the 4-3 Seattle Seahawks—marking quarterback Josh Allen’s first start in Seattle—raises some ongoing concerns across all facets of the game.
Buffalo has exhibited a trend of late-season improvements—finishing a remarkable 14-2 in games during December and January from 2021 to 2023, which bodes well. Still, there are some alarming patterns this season that could pose challenges, especially with tough games ahead.
Here’s an overview of the positives, negatives, and areas for improvement for the Bills as they strive to maintain their position atop the AFC East.
**Positives:** The Bills lead the league in turnover margin at plus-10, primarily due to Allen’s impressive performance so far—he has not thrown an interception this season. Previously, from 2018 to 2023, Allen had a tendency to throw interceptions, but his decision-making has markedly improved this season.
Coach Sean McDermott highlighted Allen’s advancement in being a “great decision-maker,” acknowledging his determination to play clean football and minimize mistakes. Currently, Allen has gone seven consecutive games without an interception, tying for the fourth-longest streak without a pick at the start of a season since 1970. Over the last season, he has thrown 217 consecutive passes without an interception, the longest streak for any active quarterback this year.
Allen credited his improvement to better decision-making and understanding the game plan, and he’s focused on taking smart risks when they present themselves. The Seattle defense has only recorded four interceptions so far, presenting Allen a chance to continue his streak, which would place him among a select group of quarterbacks who have begun a season with at least 200 attempts without interceptions.
**Areas for Improvement:** The Bills have struggled with slow starts on offense in recent weeks, which has also affected the defense. They currently rank poorly in first-half yardage, and their completion percentage is the lowest in the league during this stretch. They’ve found themselves trailing at halftime four times this season, only managing to win two of those games.
McDermott recognized the issue, admitting that if he had a definitive solution, he would have implemented it by now. The team is hopeful that Cooper’s addition can help address this problem, as he played a larger role in the second half of the recent game against the Titans, contributing to a strong offensive surge.
Cooper expressed his readiness for a more significant role and opportunities. He has already demonstrated his potential to elevate other players’ performances, which could lead to fewer penalties—a concern for the team as they currently tie for the league lead in first-half false starts.
**Defense:**
**Positives:** The Bills have managed to perform well despite injuries to key players, particularly with the return of nickel cornerback Taron Johnson. However, they face challenges with linebacker Terrel Bernard and rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter sidelined by injuries. The depth of the defense will be tested against the Seahawks, especially considering their road losses this season.
Greg Rousseau is having a strong start this season, ranking fourth in first pressures.
**Areas for Improvement:** Stopping the run will be crucial, especially against Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III, who has multiple touchdowns this season. The Bills have struggled to limit yardage before contact, ranking poorly in this area and have allowed several explosive rushing plays.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich noted the need to focus on the individual growth of players to overcome health challenges.
**Special Teams:**
**Positives:** The trade for returner Brandon Codrington has been beneficial, yielding good results on punt and kick returns, giving the Bills favorable field positions after returns.
**Areas for Improvement:** Kicker Tyler Bass is under scrutiny after a shaky record with field goals this season, having made only 2 of 5 attempts from 40-49 yards. The team has signed Lucas Havrisik to the practice squad for competition, who performed well recently. General manager Brandon Beane remarked on the importance of Bass maintaining his performance to secure his spot on the team.
