Bills’ Offense Sputters in Pittsburgh as Playoff Hopes Take Another Hit
PITTSBURGH - The Buffalo Bills walked into Acrisure Stadium on Sunday with a chance to build momentum in a wide-open AFC playoff race. Instead, they left with more questions than answers - especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Bills’ offense struggled mightily. Drives stalled, execution faltered, and the rhythm that once defined Josh Allen and this unit never really showed up. Against a Pittsburgh defense that was missing key pieces, Buffalo couldn’t capitalize - and that’s a problem.
A Missed Opportunity
This game was there for the taking. The Steelers were banged up, particularly on defense, and their offense wasn’t exactly lighting it up either.
But Buffalo couldn’t take advantage. Whether it was miscommunication, poor protection, or questionable play-calling, the Bills simply didn’t look like a team fighting for its postseason life.
Josh Allen had his moments - he always does - but they were few and far between. He was under pressure early and often, and while he avoided major mistakes, the offense never found a groove. The deep shots weren’t there, the intermediate game was inconsistent, and the run game didn’t do much to lighten the load.
Offensive Line Woes Continue
Buffalo’s offensive line, which has been under the microscope all season, didn’t do Allen many favors. The pocket collapsed quickly on multiple occasions, and the Steelers’ pass rush - even without their full arsenal - made life uncomfortable. That lack of time forced Allen into quicker decisions, and the result was a lot of short throws and drives that fizzled out.
When your quarterback is spending more time dodging defenders than surveying the field, it’s tough to get anything going - and that’s exactly what we saw Sunday.
A Flat Game Plan
There’s also the matter of the game plan. The Bills’ offense looked conservative - almost hesitant.
In a game where creativity and urgency were needed, Buffalo leaned on safe, predictable calls. The Steelers seemed ready for just about everything, and there wasn’t much in the way of adjustment.
It’s fair to wonder if the coaching staff is playing not to lose instead of playing to win. That approach might work against lesser teams, but not on the road in Pittsburgh with playoff positioning on the line.
AFC Still Up for Grabs
The good news - if there is any - is that the AFC remains a jumbled mess. No one has run away with the wild card spots, and the Bills still have time to make a push. But time is running out, and performances like this won’t get it done.
Buffalo has the talent. Allen is still one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league.
The defense - despite its own injury woes - has held up reasonably well. But until the offense finds its identity again, the Bills are going to be stuck in neutral.
What’s Next?
With a tough schedule ahead, Buffalo can’t afford many more slip-ups. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the offense has to be better - plain and simple. That starts with protection, continues with play design, and ends with execution.
This isn’t about one bad game. It’s about a pattern that’s becoming all too familiar. If the Bills want to be playing meaningful football in January, something has to change - and fast.