As happy as the Bills were with Josh Allen in Week 1 against the Jets, the passing attack got the job done all alone. In terms of the run game? It was non-existent. On 18 carries, nine apiece for both, running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss only combined for 41 yards.
That’s not going to get it done most days and Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott can even easily acknowledge that. On Wednesday, McDermott said the problem was as much of a problem in the mental aspect of the game as much as it was physically on the field.
“I think it’s a mindset. That’s where it all starts. Playing well from the line of scrimmage is important… it’s never just one person or one position,” McDermott said.
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll came in to the 27-17 win over the Jets with the intention of using Allen’s legs as the main attack on the ground. Allen rushed 14 times for 57 yards.
Unfortunately, Singletary and Moss could not break free in the outing, as Singletary had only one explosive run during the game. Moss had 11 total rushing yards.
While McDermott preached on mindset, Daboll showed that the situation against the Jets could’ve been a game planning situation.
Daboll emphasizes that the game plan is established on a week-to-week basis. The number of zone reads this week may decrease, or conceivably increase, based on the opponent.
Still, Buffalo would like to get more out of their running backs duo. Singletary and Moss because even with his rushing efficiency, Allen lost two fumbles on rushes.
Also worth noting, Buffalo’s offense was operating with an adjusted offensive line. With Jon Feliciano’s injury, the Bills moved Cody Ford to guard, and Darryl Williams started at right tackle. The unit did fairly well in the pass game, but it could not gain a consistent footing on the ground.
The Bills could continue to use Allen as a weapon on the ground against the Dolphins, as the team has in the past successfully, but one could expect all three rushers to get involved. Such a game plan was used by the Patriots in their season-opening win over the Dolphins and New England led the entire NFL with 217 rushing yards in the contest.
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