Bills rollercoaster: Highlights and lowlights vs. Saints

On paper, the Buffalo Bills had a fairly comfortable win over the New Orleans Saints. For anyone watching, we know there was a long stretch of the game where it was anything but comfortable. Rather than focus on one player or group for this week’s analysis/recap, I decided to pick a few highlights and a few lowlights and put them under the microscope.

Khalil Shakir’s Touchdown

I know you’ve seen this a million times already but surely you’re fine seeing it again. I think wide receiver Khalil Shakir’s contact balance and ability to continue through multiple tackles has been discussed, so let’s toss in that tight end Dalton Kincaid went in motion to act as a lead blocker for the screen pass to Shakir. The play would be successful gaining just a few yards on 2nd & 5 but goes the distance instead.

I point out in the clip that traditionally you might have more success with a quick bounce to the outside given the blocking but Shakir plowed through confidently, which of course worked. See below for a little conversation on the defense, which deserves a bit of shame on this play too.

Kendre Miller’s Touchdown

There are some parallels between the first two touchdowns of the game, with individual effort from Khalil Shakir and Kendre Miller shining brightly. That said, missed tackles will always be partially on the defense at minimum, and both defenses missed some opportunities.

For what it’s worth, I think the Bills’ defensive woes between these two plays were greater than the Saints’. This is especially true for nickel cornerback Taron Johnson who was free to hit the gap that Miller was coming through and just spun off him without wrapping up.

Josh Allen’s Interception

On 3rd & 11 I want to be clear that I believe the deep shot to midfield is preferable to a run to give better punting position. Quarterback Josh Allen’s head suggested this was a half-field read with his first scan going to center field. Not liking what he saw, Allen tried for wide receiver Keon Coleman who looks to be one-on-one on the outside. At the time of the decision, safety Jonas Sanker hadn’t committed to any receiver yet. He correctly read Allen and went full board for the landing point. Whether Allen didn’t see Sanker or felt he could fit it in, I don’t know. The result was the same though.

If I had to wager, I think I’d put a bet on Coleman running nearly full speed if not full. As a result, I don’t think there’s much he could do to gain elevation and disrupt this one.

Cole Bishop’s Interception

When’s the last time it felt like the Bills completely blew up a trick play? Thanks to Cole Bishop the answer is now “last Sunday.” Unlike some analysis, I won’t focus on Bishop’s physical speed because I don’t find that impressive at all on this snap. He wasn’t super fast to the ball. He was super fast to commit to the play, beginning to sprint before the second toss back even occured.

Josh Allen is sacked

It was 3rd & 22, and there wasn’t really any reason to think the Saints were going to heavily Blitz the Bills, instead allowing the coverage to do the work. Right guard O’Cyrus Torrence was beat badly to the inside, offering very little resistance. The Saints got to Allen three times in this game, nearly doubling the season total in one swoop.

Why is the sack percentage low lately in Buffalo? Chalk it up in large part to Josh Allen, whose escapability is from another world. That’s why I point out Ryan Van Demark who is similarly beaten on this play, cutting off an escape out for Allen.

Bills’ Defensive Stop

I wanted to end on a highlight for our old friend Tre’Davious White. While White had an up and down day, this play stands out for the corner. On fourth down and with time enough for a possible comeback, the Saints were just past midfield. A quick throw to the left was on the menu, until White sniffed it out. White had plenty of help with the rest of the team covering everyone else but it’s up to White to crash down. White did sprint in, and created the turnover on downs.