Joe Brady Juggles Life and Play-Calling as Bills Find Their Groove in Pittsburgh
Joe Brady had a lot on his plate this past weekend - and not just the Steelers' defense. Less than 24 hours after helping the Buffalo Bills orchestrate a 26-7 win in Pittsburgh, Brady was back in Buffalo, still wearing his hospital bracelet, having just welcomed his newborn daughter into the world. Life doesn’t slow down during the NFL season, but Brady didn’t miss a beat.
“I’m running on adrenaline,” the Bills offensive coordinator said Monday, smiling through the exhaustion. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The Bills' offense looked like a group finally finding its rhythm, and Brady’s fingerprints were all over it. His connection with quarterback Josh Allen continues to evolve, and Sunday’s win was a testament to that growing trust. From the very first series, the Bills came out with tempo, balance, and purpose - a far cry from the inconsistent unit that had stumbled through parts of the season.
“We talked about playing fast, playing physical, and being the aggressor,” Brady said. “The guys bought in.”
And it showed.
Offensive Line Holds Strong - Even Without Its Starters
One of the biggest storylines coming out of the win wasn’t just the final score - it was who made it happen up front. With starting tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown sidelined, the Bills turned to Alec Anderson at right tackle and Ryan Van Demark on the left.
That meant two backups were tasked with protecting Josh Allen from one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers: T.J. Watt.
No pressure, right?
Anderson and Van Demark didn’t just hold their own - they played with poise and grit, keeping Allen upright and giving the offense the time it needed to operate. It was an unheralded performance that could have easily flown under the radar, but not inside the locker room.
“They were awesome,” Brady said. “We didn’t have to change anything about the game plan. That says a lot about their preparation and confidence.”
The offensive line as a whole played one of its most complete games of the season, allowing the Bills to stay balanced and efficient. That stability up front gave Allen the comfort to work through his reads and make plays when they were there - and not force them when they weren’t.
Josh Allen Finds His Flow Again
Allen looked like the version of himself that Buffalo fans have been waiting to see - decisive, creative, and in control. While the stat sheet didn’t scream MVP, the tape told a different story.
He was sharp in the short game, took calculated shots downfield, and used his legs when needed. More importantly, he played within the offense.
“He was just in a great rhythm,” Brady said. “He trusted the guys around him, and we saw the result.”
Brady’s approach since taking over the play-calling duties has been about simplifying things for Allen - not in terms of dumbing down the playbook, but in terms of clarity. What do we want to accomplish on this play?
What’s the matchup we like? What’s the plan if it breaks down?
That clarity is starting to show up on Sundays.
Tyler Bass’ Season Comes to an End
While the offense is trending upward, the Bills did suffer a setback on special teams. Kicker Tyler Bass will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an injury to his left hip and groin - a nagging issue that had lingered for weeks.
“It’s tough,” special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley said. “He tried to fight through it, but ultimately, it was the right decision to take care of it now.”
Bass had been a reliable presence since arriving in Buffalo, and while his numbers dipped slightly this year, the team still leaned on his range and consistency. With him out, the Bills will turn to a new face in the kicking game - a late-season adjustment that could loom large in tight December matchups.
A Team Finding Its Identity
The win in Pittsburgh didn’t just keep the Bills in the thick of the AFC playoff race - it felt like a turning point. After weeks of uneven play, Buffalo looked like a team rediscovering what it does best: physical defense, creative offense, and complementary football.
And at the center of it all is Joe Brady, balancing fatherhood and football, bringing calm and clarity to a unit that had been searching for both.
“I’ve always believed in these guys,” he said. “It’s just about putting them in position to succeed.”
So far, he’s doing just that - both on the field and off.