'Really Good' Bills Praised by Commanders Coach Jack Del Rio
ASHBURN, Va. -- The Buffalo Bills will present a new wrinkle to their offense against the Washington Commanders this week.
Last season alone, Buffalo was near the bottom of the league when it came to using 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends), but this year the script has been flipped on its head as they now lead the league when it comes to using that specific package.
"They are a concept-driven unit," defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said of the Bills scheme. "Ever since that big-old athletic quarterback has been there, they've been tough to deal with, they've got a really good offense - really good team."
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen runs with the football against the New York Jets.
© Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
That concept Buffalo is following this season is one of being more physical up front with the ability to also stay aggressive downfield by using the same offensive formations. Effectively preventing opposing defenses from keying in on personnel groupings and packages.
This increase in ability to disguise what the offense is doing from one play to another has also increased the Bills' ability to go for it - and convert - fourth downs. Something they did four times against the Raiders last weekend.
"That's in their DNA, that's becoming more and more popular," Del Rio said. "It's prevalent in the league right now. Teams are being aggressive ... and certainly, they have shown that."
Buffalo has also shown an ability to beat Washington in recent times winning four of the last five matchups and having lost just once since the turn of the century.
The Bills and Commanders kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday at FedEx Field.
