Brian Daboll Might Be One of the League’s Best Playcallers
It’s always been in vogue for Bills fans to criticize the offensive coordinator for his play calling. As Bills offenses over the years have always seemed to have fans wanting more, much of the blame has gone on the various offensive coordinators over the years. This has even been true of Brian Daboll at times.
The Bills’ playoff loss to Houston last January included some questionable play calls when the Bills were on the verge of pulling away in the game. Daboll took some heat for not being more aggressive when the Bills were settling for field goals in the second half of that game. So far in 2020, criticisms of the offense designed by Daboll have disappeared.
Sunday’s win over Seattle was another example of how Daboll has done a great job putting Josh Allen and the Bills offense in the best position to succeed on a week-to-week basis. Daboll doesn’t try to force-feed a specific philosophy to this offense every week. Daboll does what every offensive coordinator should be doing, which is creating a game plan based around the weaknesses of that week’s opponent and how the talent on offense can best exploit those weaknesses.
Last week, Daboll created a run-based game plan to take advantage of a Patriots defense that struggles in run defense, while also keeping Allen from trying to throw often in the rain and wind of Orchard Park. This week, the Bills were facing a team that absolutely cannot stop the pass in beautiful, 70-degree Orchard Park weather. Daboll rolled out perhaps the most pass-happy gameplan the Bills have ever employed. In the first half on Sunday, Daboll called 32 pass attempts and just two rush attempts. One of the pass calls turned out to be an Allen scramble for seven yards, while three others ended in sacks. Only twice did Allen turn around and hand the ball off in the first half.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, this was the most pass-happy first half of football in terms of a pass-to-run ratio by one team in ESPN’s database of play-by-play going back to 2008. As we know, the game plan worked as the Bills scored on their first four possessions on their way to 24 points by halftime and 44 points by the end of the game.
If nothing else, Daboll has brought modern football to Buffalo. The Bills are one of the more pass-happy teams in the league and are among the league leaders in using three- and four-wide receiver sets. They are also among the leaders in fewest run plays called on first and second down, an indication that the Bills are following the analytics that say an early-down run is not an optimal play.
For years, the Bills tried to build their offense through the run game. They often drafted running backs early and made the passing game more of a complementary part of their offense. That philosophy has certainly changed with the Bills now more than willing to put the ball in the air.
The Bills’ offensive renaissance is due in large part to the development of the talented quarterback they drafted seventhoverall two years ago. But it goes hand-in-hand with the offensive coordinator who has created an offense that puts Allen in favorable positions to succeed. On Sunday, Daboll attacked Seattle’s weak pass defense by using four-wide receiver sets often. This made Seattle put the weakest part of their defense on the field, which Allen was able to exploit.
If Buffalo’s offensive transformation keeps up, it’s likely that Daboll’s name will vault to the top of the list of potential head coaching candidates for teams this offseason. The Bills will have to accept that they are likely to lose one of the important parts of their offensive success. It comes with the territory of being one of the best teams in the league. But the Bills have the staff in place, including quarterback coach Ken Dorsey, to fill the void and continue the smart philosophy if Daboll does land a head coaching job.
For now, Bills fans can feel comfortable knowing they are in good hands with the offensive coaching staff in place.