It was a second playoff appearance in three years for the Buffalo Bills but the end of the season came far too soon. Where is this franchise headed?
For the second time in three seasons, head coach Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills were playoff bound. But once again, success in the postseason eluded the franchise. The team owned a 16-0 third-quarter lead at Houston before being outscored the remainder of the game in a 22-19 overtime setback.
Still, there were signs of progress for a club that won at least 10 games for the first time since 1999.
Quarterback Josh Allen progressed as a passer and emerged as a team leader. Underrated wide receiver John Brown proved to be an outstanding free-agent addition. A rebuilt offensive line and rookie running back Devin Singletary were huge plusses. And cornerback Tre’Davious White continues to be in the conversation as one of the best players in the league at his position.
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So What’s Next?
Veteran outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander recently announced his retirement. He was one of the 12 potential unrestricted free agents (via Spotrac) that general manager Brandon Beane must make a decision on.
The list includes ageless running back Frank Gore, former first-round pick Shaq Lawson and reliable guard Quinton Spain. The Bills got a big year from one-time Miami Dolphins’ defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who led the club with 9.5 sacks and could also test free agency as well. And could defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier get a look-see from some teams in terms of a head coaching opportunity?
Biggest Offseason Concern?
So what do McDermott and company need to work on? Arguably the major issue may be the front seven in terms of stopping the run.
Buffalo finished 10th in the league in rushing defense in 2019 and while that may sound respectable, too often this unit was pushed around. The Bills allowed 86.3 yards on the ground in 10 wins and 131 yards per outing in their six regular-season setbacks. And in the Wild Card loss to Houston, Frazier watched his group give up 141 yards to elusive Deshaun Watson (55), Carlos Hyde (48) and Duke Johnson (38).
The Buffalo Bills are making strides. But the franchise still hasn’t won a division title or playoff game since 1995. Both of those streaks may be getting ready to end sometime in the not-too-distant future, especially if McDermott and company continue to push the right buttons.
However, there are still a few obvious holes to fill and that must happen much sooner than later.