Bills Central

Glaring Josh Allen stat proves how badly Bills' passing game is broken

In a blowout loss to the lowly Dolphins, Bills' QB Josh Allen had his most time to throw since his rookie season in 2018.
Josh Allen
Josh Allen | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

On the ugly Monday morning after the most hideous Buffalo Bills' performance in recent memory, Bills Mafia has deteriorated into arguing amongst itself about what went wrong in the 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. And more seriously, what is wrong.

It's easy to point to "turnovers," as all three - two by Josh Allen and one by James Cook - killed drives that were on their way to points. But just as damning is what's happening - and not happening - in the passing game.

MORE: Sloppy stars Josh Allen, James Cook pave way for Bills' shocking loss to Dolphins

Keon Coleman
Keon Coleman | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

On the surface, Allen threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns. But according to the eye test, the picture isn't nearly so rosy. Allen is holding onto the ball too long, because he doesn't have open receivers.

According to NextGen stats, Allen's average time to throw was 3.53 seconds. It's the most time he's had since his rookie season in 2018. Given that much time against a 2-7 opponent, it's the Bills who should have scored 30 points.

Too Late To Fix Bills' Broken Passing Game?

But with Cook limited to 53 yards on only 13 carries, the Bills' offense merely meandered.

SIGN UP:  Get Bills OnSI straight to your inbox (for free)

Keon Coleman caught a beautiful 35-yard touchdown. Tight end Jackson Hawes grabbed a 26-yarder on a broken play. Other than that, offensive coordinator Joe Brady's lack of creativity was a glaring problems. The Bills' receivers run almost exclusively vertical routes, with little nuance for options or crosses or rubs.

MORE: Bills' trade target WR burns Maxwell Hairston for TD as Dolphins surprisingly lead

The Bills tried to trade for Jaylen Waddle, and Sunday in south Florida reminded us all why: The passing game is broken. Beyond repair?

Josh Allen
Josh Allen | Jeff Romance-Imagn Images

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:


Published
Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

Share on XFollow richiewhitt