Tag: John Brown

State of the position: Bills wide receivers

The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room improved immensely this past year.

Here is Bills Wire’s position-by-position breakdown of the team’s roster, continuing with the wide receivers, including the season that was and projecting forward:

Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room improved immensely in 2019. The additions of John Brown and Cole Beasley gave the team a legitimate threat in the aerial attack. The free agent acquisitions provided quarterback Josh Allen with two sorely needed reliable targets to help with the young signal caller’s growth.

Brown came through with a 72-catch; 1,060-yard season with six scores, all career-highs. Beasley, the shifty slot receiver, finished second on the team with 67 catches and 778 receiving yards. He also set a career-high with six touchdown passes.

Beyond this duo, though, the remainder of the aerial attack distribution was thin. Isaiah McKenzie provided a threat of speed, and he was utilized in motion and on sweeps in games. He caught 27 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown receptions while adding eight rushes for 49 yards.

Duke Williams, an intriguing, big-bodied prospect who gave Josh Allen a large target out wide, dressed for only four games. In his limited time on the field, he did bring fans to their feet. However, he also struggled with some issues of consistently catching the ball.

Most of the contributions of Robert Foster and Andre Roberts were on special teams. Foster was used primarily on the coverage unit, while Roberts provided a spark in the return game, earning a Pro Bowl nod there. Foster, unfortunately, could not replicate his break out performances from last year, catching only three passes on the season. Roberts averaged 26.6 yards per kick return.

Let us not forget Zay Jones, who was traded after playing five games for the Bills. he caught only 7-of-18 targets.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Contract situation

Brown is under contract through the 2021 season after signing a three-year, $21 million contract this past offseason. Beasley will be in the fold a year longer, as he signed a four-year $29 million contract.

Roberts and Williams enter the final year of their respective contracts. Roberts will be the primary returner, as he has a reasonable $2 million cap hit.

McKenzie is a restricted free agent, while Foster is under exclusive-rights free agent status, so he’ll be back with the Bills, or else’ by rule, will sit out a season, essentially. Buffalo will have the first crack at re-signing these players in the offseason.

The future

Brown and Beasley are set in stone for the upcoming season. The duo combined for 139 receptions, and the Bills will do anything to upset the chemistry that the pair has made with Allen.

Roberts will come back as the primary returner for the team. He is a threat every time he touches the ball, so his presence is important in the special teams game.

While Williams, McKenzie, and Foster have flashed some promise in the past, there is no doubt that this group could use another game-breaking player.

McKenzie was an effective player who fit into several schemes on offense. However, the Bills could look to Roberts to fill the role that McKenzie occupied. It’s a speculatory option at this point.

Williams, for his part, gives Buffalo a physical receiver on the boundary. However, the team still sees that former CFL star has a little ways to go, as he dressed for only five games (including the playoff game). Williams’ playoff game participation ahead of Foster may give an indication into the Alabama product’s future on the roster.

Even with the improvement in the group this year, expect Buffalo’s brass to try and find another piece to upgrade this unit in the offseason.

The question is, could that be in free agency via another vet like AJ Green? Or this year’s draft class contains several wide receivers who could support the Bills’ need for an explosive player out wide. Players such as CeeDee Lamb, Laviska Shenault and Tee Higgins are just a few prospects that could be on Buffalo’s radar with their first-round pick at No. 22.

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Pro Football Focus tabs WR as Buffalo Bills’ offseason need

Buffalo Bills’ biggest offseason need is added a wide receiver, says Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus recognized that John Brown and Cole Beasley were important parts of the Bills offense in 2019. Brown himself was Buffalo’s top-graded player on the Bills’ offensive side of the ball last year via PFF.

However, PFF recently broken down every NFL team’s biggest needs this offseason. While suggesting Brown are Beasley do their jobs at a high level, the football analytics outlet said they can’t do it all alone.

PFF tabbed the Bills’ biggest offseason need for Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane to address is a wide receiver that complements that duo:

Brown and Beasley proved to both be solid investments this offseason who could separate and provide reliable targets for Josh Allen in a revamped offensive scheme that was built by Brian Daboll to highlight Allen’s strengths. Both receivers are going to be on the wrong side of 30 next season, though, and the Bills could use a bigger, field-stretching wide receiver to complement their skills. On the season, Bills receivers caught just 40.3% of their contested catch opportunities (28th in the NFL). Adding someone who excels in those tight-window situations would give Allen another weapon to work with.

In many mock drafts early this offseason, this is the exact type of player the Bills go after. Along with age, the Brown-Beasley duo is simply too small. A bigger, 6-foot-4 targets could be the remedy the Bills need.

In adding such a piece, one that has enough talent to get on the field consistently, such as a first-round pick, it would have multiple trickle-down effects.

A big target would draw attention from opposing defenses, making Brown and Beasley’s jobs easier. In Allen’s case, his deep-ball struggles would be helped by a big target that goes up and gets the ball. His completion percent could be above 60 percent next season with such a player.

It’s hard to argue that the Bills don’t need a wideout addition this offseason. It’s a tempting move to make with free agency and the upcoming NFL draft on the horizon.

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Evaluating the Bills’ 2019 free agent class

Here is how we evaluated Buffalo’s free agent signings based on their 2019 contribution to the team. 

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane was aggressive during the 2019 free agency period, signing several players in a hope to bolster a fledgling offensive line. In addition, he inked a few complementary pieces to the defense, while finding players to solidify the special teams unit. 

So, how did it really go for Beane? Looking back at the free agent class signings for the Bills, there were some obvious home runs while others were not-to-stellar. 

Here’s an evaluation of Buffalo’s free agent signings based on their 2019 contribution to the team:

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

EXCELLENT

Cole Beasley, John Brown, Mitch Morse, and Quinton Spain

It was no surprise that Beane focused on the offensive side of the ball during last year’s free agent period. Several players became an integral part of the Bills’ improvement on offense. 

Buffalo were in need of a massive upgrade at wide receiver, and Beane delivered by signing John Brown and Cole Beasley. It was easy to see that if Josh Allen had a chance at being successful that he would need a much stronger cast surrounding him. The duo combined for 139 receptions and 1,838 receiving yards. Tack on 12 total touchdowns, and it’s easy to see how this pair helped reinvigorate the offense. Brown gave the Bills the closest thing to a No. 1 receiver in the Sean McDermott era, while Beasley provided the team with reliable options out of the slot. When signed, many questioned the Bills’ decision to add them, but no one did by the playoffs. 

Beane’s signings to bolster the offensive line worked well, as Mitch Morse became the foundation of the line. His presence helped solidify the line in a similar manner as Eric Wood. Quinton Spain and Jon Felicano came over to compete for starting gigs at the guard spots, and they exceeded expectations with their play. Felciano gave a physical edge in the run game, while Spain did not allow a sack during the regular season. 

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10 most-expensive Bills against 2020 salary cap

The Buffalo Bills top-10 salary cap hits entering the 2020 season.

The Buffalo Bills face a favorable salary cap situation entering the 2020 offseason. The team is projected to have approximately $89 million in cap space ahead of the free agency period, according to figures from Spotrac.

Buffalo has plenty of room to make a splash signing or two, if they wish. However, with several major contributors still playing on their rookie deals, the Bills may be cautious with how they spend their money this offseason.

For now, let’s take a look at the top-10 players who are eating up the most cap space for the 2020 Bills:

1. Mitch Morse

2020 cap hit: $11.625

Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse. Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The center signed a four-year, $44.5 million contract last offseason. Mitch Morse was the team’s marquee signing last year, brought in to help stabilize and revamp a porous offensive line in 2018.

2. Star Lotulelei

2020 cap hit: $10.1 million

Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Star Lotulelei was another piece of the Carolina-to-Buffalo pipeline. He signed a five-year, $50 million contract in the 2018 offseason. His familiarity with head coach Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme was a plus when the Bills were looking to strengthen their front-four on defense.

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John Brown was PFF’s top graded Bills player on offense in 2019

Buffalo Bills WR John Brown was Pro Football Focus’ top-graded player on the team’s offense in 2019.

Not a No. 1 wide receiver? Not so fast, John Brown told the NFL in his first season with the Buffalo Bills in 2019.

Brown finished 21st in the NFL this season in terms of receiving yards with 1,060. At one point Brown was leading the AFC in receiving yards, but later in the year he dipped down to eighth. Regardless, what a season.

For his effects, even Pro Football Focus reflected Brown’s strong year. With a 74.2 overall grade, Brown landed in PFF’s “good” category and that grade gave him the 32nd best grade among receivers graded by PFF this season. He edged out guys such as Tyler Boyd, DK Metcalf, Michael Gallup, Golden Tate and… Cole Beasley. His teammate finished just behind Brown at No. 36 with a 73.8 overall mark.

Brown has two year remaining on his deal and the 29-year-old, of course, showed he can play. But the Bills still would be wise to add to this crew with Brown and Beasley this offseason. Their top-two produced, but the lack of depth at the position and youthful prospects was a glaring need.

In total, Brown had 72 catches and six touchdowns in 2019.

And let’s not forget, he threw two touchdown passes, too:

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2019 Buffalo Bills superlatives

2019 Buffalo Bills awards and superlatives.

Buffalo’s 2019 campaign was quite a successful one. The team won 10 games for the first time in two decades. The Bills buttoned up a playoff berth with three weeks remaining in the season.

For this group, it was a full-team effort to achieve their accomplishments, but a few of those players stood out above the rest.

With that, here are the Bills’ superlatives and awards for what was the 2019 NFL season:

Offensive MVP: John Brown

Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown  (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

There were quite a few signature John Brown touchdown dances this year. Brown was easily the best free agent signing for the team this year. The veteran wide receiver gave quarterback Josh Allen a semblance of a No. 1 receiver, and it paid off for the team. Brown set career highs in receptions (72) and receiving yards (1,060). “Smoke” had been known for his speed, but his precise route-running was welcomed addition for the Bills aerial attack.

While Brown and Cole Beasley, another offseason addition prior to 2019, did have successes in their first seasons with the team, the Bills shouldn’t be shy about continuing to add around Allen once again.

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Report card: Bills lose Wild Card to Texans, 22-19

The Bills lost to the Houston Texans, 22-19 in a heartbreaking overtime defeat.

The Buffalo Bills first playoff appearance of this decade did not disappoint. The Bills and Texans battled all four quarters, forcing overtime.

Ultimately, Deshaun Watson and the Texans offense made enough plays in overtime giving Houston the Wild Card victory.

After a heartbreaking loss, here’s how the Bills graded out in what will be their final report card of the 2019 season:

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Quarterback: C

Josh Allen started the first half strong, with a touchdown reception on the opening drive that seemingly set the tone for the rest of the game. The Bills never capitalized on that momentum, settling for field goals throughout the game.

When looking at Allen’s stat line it shows that he wasn’t consistent, he completed 24 of his 46 throws, 264 yards, zero passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions. To be fair, Allen wasn’t sharp in the second half and when the Texans were sending pressure he was making rash decisions. As the game progressed Allen started looking for the game winning play, when a more effective option was available.

Allen also tried to extend plays when they were dead, and cost his team valuable yards down the stretch. Allen has been an enigma all season, and Saturday was no exception. At times he extended plays with his legs, and made some sensational throws. Other times, especially late in the game he made some head-scratching decisions, like taking a deep shot to Patrick DiMarco in the fourth quarter.

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5 takeaways from the Bills’ 22-19 OT Wild-Card loss to the Texans

Five takeaways from the Buffalo Bills’ Wild-Card loss to the Houston Texans.

The Buffalo Bills’ visit to the playoffs ended the same way as their last time two seasons ago, defeat.

Both games were close, but this one, an overtime loss, came in heartbreaking fashion for the Bills after Buffalo held a 16-0 lead over the Houston Texans after the first half of play.

With that, here are five takeaways from the Bills’ 22-19 loss to the Texans:

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

An ugly end

Bills quarterback Josh Allen had some good moments in this one. He completed deep passes, and made players miss with his legs while picking up chunks of yards. What ensued at the end of the Bills’ loss was nothing short of embarrassing and should’ve put him into perspective of what he is: a young quarterback.

Allen and the Bills’ offense drove into field goal range down three, took terrible penalties via intentional grounding and sacks to take the Bills out of field goal range. To the offense’s credit, the Bills got back into it and tied the game with an excellent rally and kick from Stephen Hauschka. In overtime, the Bills did little right.

To the defense’s credit, the Bills stopped the Texans’ opening drive. The Bills offense then couldn’t get things going much at all, and when they did, Cody Ford took a questionable penalty, but it was a rookie play on a block that didn’t need to happen. On defense, Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson broke a sack from Matt Milano and Siran Neal and dumped it off for a deep gain, setting up a chip-shot game-winning kick for the Texans. The Bills looked like a team in a playoff pinch for the first time.

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Perhaps Tre’Davious White has now earned DeAndre Hopkins’ respect?

Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins had some interesting things to say about Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White. He has not backed them up.

Trash talk has all kinds of uses for both teams in any game. For those on the giving side, it can present a united front and a sense of confidence. For those on the receiving end, it can be bulletin board material; the kind of stuff that gets a team even more amped up for an important game.

One thing’s for sure, though — when you’re the one trashing your opponent, you’d better be ready to back it up. In advance of the Texans-Bills playoff game on Saturday, Houston receiver DeAndre Hopkins had this to say during an interview with Michael Irvin of the NFL Network regarding Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, who just might be the NFL’s best cover cornerback this season.

“He’s a good defender,” Hopkins said of White. “Ignorance is bliss. He doesn’t know that he plays in a zone defense, I think, to the extent not like [Darrelle] Revis and those guys played you back in the day on that island when you see a safety all the way on the hash on the other side. I give respect to the guys who can come out there on the island and look me in the face and not play outside because they have safety help.”

Hopkins told Irvin that, per his observations, Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Petersen, Stephon Gilmore, Casey Hayward and Xavier Rhodes would rank ahead of White on his list of top cornerbacks. An odd view, since White is the only cornerback in the NFL this season with six interceptions and no touchdowns allowed, and Rhodes — for example — has allowed four touchdowns this season with no interceptions and an opponent passer rating of 127.8. White, on the other hand, has allowed an opponent passer rating of 46.3.

And in the first half of the game, Hopkins was targeted twice, with no receptions. The Texans kept moving him into the slot, ostensibly to keep him away from White. Meanwhile, Bills quarterback Josh Allen was a more productive receiver than Hopkins, with one catch from receiver John Brown (who’s also been more productive than Hopkins in this game) for a 16-yard touchdown.

While Hopkins did catch a pass with 9:59 left in the third quarter, he then fumbled the ball, due to a forced fumble by none other than… Tre’Davious White.

As we said, if you’re going to plant your flag like Hopkins did, you’d better be able to back it up. Hopkins hasn’t been anywhere close to that ability just yet.

WATCH: Josh Allen catches TD pass from John Brown on trick play

Josh Allen was a triple threat in the first quarter of the Bills’ Wild-Card game with the Houston Texans.

Josh Allen had a rare trifecta for the Buffalo Bills after one quarter against the Houston Texans on Saturday: He led the team in rushing, receiving and yards thrown.

Allen rushed for 42 yards, threw for 29 yards and caught a TD pass for 16, all in the first 15 minutes.