Behind Enemy Lines: 5 Questions with Bills Central Reporter Harrison Reno

This week, we're checking in with Bills Central reporter Harrison Reno to learn more about the Buffalo Bills and the challenges they will pose to an injury-depleted Giants team. The Giants are currently a 14.5-point underdog, according to Fan Duel.

How much different (And in what ways) has the Bills offense been since Brian Daboll left?

If you were to ask this question after the first 12 games last season, the answer would’ve been that the differences weren’t noticeable. However, after the end of last season, there did seem to be growing pains for then-first-year play-caller Ken Dorsey, as many criticized his inability to manufacture touches for his best weapon, Stefon Diggs, which were only exacerbated by some of the public outbursts from the star receiver. So what’s the biggest difference?

So far, consistency and adaptability are the biggest differences. Can Dorsey maintain a high-flying offense while adapting enough to keep defenses off balance? That will be one of the big questions as the Bills move through the season.

Some have said Josh Allen has struggled some since Daboll left. Have you seen that to be the case?

I wouldn’t say that Josh Allen has struggled in the absence of Brian Daboll, as statistically, he is still performing at a similar level under current offensive Ken Dorsey. However, it is hard to ignore his struggles in the turnover department. Allen led the league in turnovers last season with 19 and already has six to start this year.

The Bills got Von Miller back. How does he change their defense when he’s in there?

The Bills’ pass rush has been at the heart of their success on defense this season, which ranks fifth in points allowed per game and first in takeaways per game. Despite being without Miller for the first four games, the Bills lead the league in sacks with 21, and now, with the 34-year-old back, they have a chance to get even better.

The return of Miller will not ultimately lead to more sacks as a whole; due to his renowned ability to rush the passer, his mere presence will also open opportunities for others. If teams decide to double-team Miller, that leaves one-on-one opportunities for defensive tackle Ed Oliver and edge rusher Leonard Floyd.

The Giants are pretty banged up, but what can you tell us about the Bills injured players as far as who might be in and out?

Like the Giants, the Bills are in a curious position due to injuries. In last Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, they lost their star linebacker Matt Milano to a season-ending knee injury just a week after losing top cornerback Tre’Davious White to an Achilles. In addition to Milano and White, the Bills will also be without defensive tackle Daquan Jones on Sunday versus the Giants.

What is the X-factor in this game that will help decide it either way?

It is obvious that receiver Stefon Diggs will be an “X-factor” for the Bills on Sunday; their passing game runs through him, and they need him to be effective. However, to be different and not-so-obvious, running back James Cook is a name to watch.

In both games that the Bills have lost, Cook and the running game have struggled. The former second-round pick was held to -4 yards rushing in last Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars and 46 yards versus the New York Jets.

Even under Daboll, an inability to run the football has kept the Bills from ultimately accomplishing their goal of winning a Super Bowl. If they can develop the second-year back into a consistent production outlet, it could make all the difference.

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