The Buffalo Bills are 3-0, and that alone would usually dominate the conversation entering Week 4. But the issue lurking underneath that perfect start is hard to ignore: penalties.
Buffalo has already piled up 25 accepted penalties through three games, a number that stands out even for a team winning at a high level. That’s nearly double the 14 accepted penalties the Bills had through the first three games last season, and it’s the kind of trend that can quietly turn into a problem before the record catches up to it.
The breakdown makes the concern even louder. In Week 1 against the Texans, Buffalo was flagged 10 times for 85 yards in a game it won by five points.
In Week 2, against the Lions in the debut at the new Highmark Stadium, the Bills were penalized five times for 46 yards in a 10-point win. Then on Sunday against the Chargers, they were hit with another 10 penalties for 88 yards.
That’s a lot of self-inflicted damage for a team that has otherwise looked capable of controlling games. Two of the first three weeks featured dominant offensive performances, while the defense carried the load against Los Angeles when Josh Allen and the offense struggled.
The Bills have plenty going right, and Joe Brady has them sitting at 3-0 in his coaching tenure. Still, the penalty count is hard to brush aside because it has shown up on both sides of the ball.
On offense, the offensive line has been a frequent source of flags. On defense, the issues have included roughing the passer and defensive holding/pass interference.
That kind of undisciplined football can be survived for a while, especially when a team is this talented. But it becomes a problem fast when the mistakes keep stacking up.
Now Buffalo turns to a home matchup with the Patriots on Sunday, and that’s exactly the kind of game where clean football matters. The Bills are good enough to win a lot of games. They’re also good enough to get themselves in trouble if the penalties don’t get under control.
In Other News...
Philip Rivers Revealed An Unexpected Twist In Buffalo's Coaching Search
Philip Rivers name came up in a surprising place during Buffalos coaching search, and it turns out the former quarterback was much more than a casual candidate. He interviewed for the Bills head coaching job on short notice in Florida, and Josh Allen was there as part of the process, a reminder of how seriously the team involved its franchise quarterback in evaluating the next leader.
Rivers did not land the position, but he later described the experience as worthwhile and said he felt good about where Buffalo ended up. The Bills ultimately went with Joe Brady, and Rivers account adds another layer to a search that was already unusual for its mix of star power, urgency and quarterback input. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Defensive Line Might Be Getting Even More Dangerous For Week 4
Buffalos defensive front has already done enough in the first three games to make opposing quarterbacks feel the heat, with Greg Rousseau, Deone Walker and DeWayne Carter all helping set the tone up front. Even with injuries factored in, the Bills have managed to keep their rotation active and productive, and the groups early play has hinted at a line that can control games rather than simply chase them.
Now the unit could be on the verge of getting even deeper for Week 4. T.J. Sanders is trending toward a return after limited practice work, and practice squad option Phidarian Mathis is also part of the picture, giving Buffalo more possible bodies and more ways to keep the pressure coming as the season starts to settle in. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Head Coach Search Took A Stranger Turn Than Fans Realized
Philip Rivers adding his voice to the Bills coaching search gave the process an unexpectedly public twist, especially for a franchise that usually keeps those conversations tightly under wraps. The former quarterback said Buffalo reached out through his agent to set up the interview, and he described a room that included key figures from the organization as well as Josh Allen, making it clear this was a serious look at a candidate whose rsum was built more on playing experience than sideline work.
Rivers, who has never coached in the NFL, said he leaned on his years as a longtime starting quarterback rather than a polished presentation or video-heavy pitch. Even so, he spoke with gratitude about getting the chance and with confidence that he could handle the job if called upon, which only added to the sense that Buffalos search touched some unconventional names before it moved on. [Read more 🡒]