Takeaways: Bills starters do nothing to ease concerns about flat-out ugly problem
Well, we got to see the Buffalo Bills franchise QB Josh Allen throw the football. While it was only preseason, it was not pretty. The Buffalo Bills lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 25-17. Admittedly, the first-team offense struggled. Allen was forced to run scared as the offensive line just couldn't protect him. When Allen was […]
Well, we got to see the Buffalo Bills franchise QB Josh Allen throw the football. While it was only preseason, it was not pretty. The Buffalo Bills lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 25-17.
Admittedly, the first-team offense struggled. Allen was forced to run scared as the offensive line just couldn't protect him. When Allen was able to pull off his usual magic for an unbelievable throw to Gabe Davis, a penalty removed the play.
While it was good to see Allen back in uniform, the first-team offense had a brutal outing.
Here are our 4 biggest takeaways from the game
The first-team offensive line (except O'Cyrus Torrence) was bad
I have no idea what that was, it was just flat-out ugly. Luckily, this was only the preseason so we aren't going to be slamming the panic button, yet. Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane have tried to bring in talent at the position, but it doesn't appear to have made a difference from last season to this. Allen was forced to run around like a chicken with his head cut off. He was running scared and doing everything he can, this unit was bad, and needs to immediately find a solution. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, this unit just simply wasn't good enough today.
With Tommy Doyle going down with an injury and Brandon Shell announcing his retirement, the team needs to pick up the phone yesterday and start looking at some players to join the team.
The middle linebacker position is still unclear
Tyrel Dodson got the start at the position for the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo didn't bring in any big names this offseason to make up for the departure of Tremaine Edmunds. While it was only the second preseason game, we are wondering if that was the smart move. Dodson got blown up and at times looked a little lost as the Steelers were able to pull off a 60+ yard rushing touchdown. While that isn't entirely on Dodson, his stock fell during this contest. With injuries at the position, there are some big questions that need immediate answers. Dodson was replaced by AJ Klein at the middle linebacker position early in the contest.
Dalton Kincaid is Him
One of the lone bright spots during the team's first half was that of Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid, when the ball wasn't thrown at his feet, seemed to bring everything in and did a great job as a blocker. With Dawson Knox being ruled out for the game, it allowed Kincaid some extra time to shine and he did just that. Buffalo has a legitimate weapon with the rookie, as long as the offensive line can hold up long enough for the quarterback to get the ball to him.
Matt Barkley is NOT Him (respectfully, and only for today)
Respectfully, an ugly showing from Barkley hoping to win the backup QB position behind Josh Allen. Barkley shined in the first preseason game and we gushed over his ability to win this position. What was great in the first game was flat-out ugly in this contest. Barkley missed players, turned the ball over, and just didn't look like himself. Week one was very much a victory for Barkley, but Kyle Allen may have put himself firmly back into the conversation after an abysmal performance from the veteran.
Outside of that, the battle for CB2 is still unclear on this roster as Kaiir Elam had a less-than-steller day, Dane Jackson was targeted multiple times in the first few series, and Christian Benford didn't do much to set himself apart.
There are more questions than answers, but that's the beauty of the NFL preseason. Luckily, the team is going to jump right back into practice with PLENTY of film to watch to help them improve. Right now, all we can think about is Tommy Doyle being healthy after his scary injury.
Bills get major scare as rising star is carted off the field
The Buffalo Bills were hoping to leave Pittsburgh with a full bill of health. Their offensive line just took a major blow as Tommy Doyle was forced to leave the field on a cart.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
