Buffalo’s Air, Ground Attacks Dominate Seahawks

The Bills traveled across the United States to play the Seahawks in Seattle. Despite heavy rain in the first half, and numerous penalties throughout the game, the Bills would have one of their most productive days on both sides of the football.

Opening Drive Dominance

Seattle started with the ball, but quickly went three-and-out after two incomplete passes from Geno Smith, and a one yard run by Kenneth Walker in between. An illegal block in the back on the punt return moved the Bills back to their own 10 yard line, but Allen’s 23 yard completion to Dawson Knox on his first pass attempt quickly moved them downfield.

Two 10 yard holding penalties and a five yard false start continued to move the Bills in the wrong direction, but the offense was able to overcome every flag. Khalil Shakir caught two passes for 17 yards, and a 25 yard catch by Keon Coleman moved them into the redzone. After attempting an endzone fade to Coleman on 1st and Goal, Allen ran to the right for a three yard gain. On 3rd and Goal from the two yard line, Allen went right back to Coleman on another fade, with the rookie making the one-handed snag over 6’4” Tariq Woolen for the touchdown.

Be Aggressive

Buffalo’s defense forced another three-and-out, with Walker tackled for a two yard loss by Rasul Douglas on 1st down to set the tone of the drive. A false start penalty moved the Bills backwards, but Shakir’s 13 yard completion nearly got all the yardage back on third down, bringing up 4th and 2. From their own 42 yard line, Head Coach Sean McDermott opted to punt, with Sam Martin pinning the Seahawks inside their own 10 yard line.

Smith began to get into a rhythm with his receivers, completing a 15 yard pass to Jake Bobo, a 17 yard pass to Walker, and a 14 yard pass to rookie tight end AJ Barner. On First and Goal from the two yard line, Walker was stuffed behind the line of scrimmage by Greg Rousseau. On 2nd and Goal, the snap from Connor Williams sailed well over the head of Smith, with Walker finally recovering the ball back at the 22 yard line. Seattle then took a delay of game, bringing up a rare 3rd and Goal from the 27 yard line. Jason Myers would drill a 38 yard field goal two plays later.

It finally happened. After 301 pass attempts, Josh Allen threw his first interception of the season. He was looking for Amari Cooper on an in route, but the receiver slipped at the line of scrimmage, allowing cornerback Josh Jobe to gain inside position on the route and catch the pass uncontested. Jobe ran the ball back to Buffalo’s seven yard line, where he was tackled by Allen and O’Cyrus Torrence. Now with the Seahawks looking at 1st and Goal and a chance to take the lead, this is why I would’ve preferred McDermott have the offense go for it on 4th and 2 earlier in the game.

Thankfully, Allen’s interception didn’t cost the Bills any points. Walker gained three yards on first down, and backup Zach Charbonnet gained three more on second down. On 3rd and Goal from the one yard line, Walker was stuffed at the line of scrimmage by Greg Rousseau. Seattle opted to go for it on 4th and Goal, but Smith was stepped on by a lineman as he tried to turn to hand the ball off. Falling to the ground, Rousseau “tackled” him six yards behind the line of scrimmage, for a turnover on downs.

National Tight Ends Day

If you hadn’t heard, Sunday was National Tight Ends Day, and fittingly there was a dramatic increase in that position finding the endzone. That was also the case in Seattle, thanks to Buffalo’s almost five minute drive to end the first half. On 3rd and 5, Allen escaped the pocket up the middle, but dropped the football due to the slippery conditions. The ball bounced past the first down line, right into the hands of Ty Johnson, who recovered the football for a gain of 11 and a first down. James Cook ran for 18 yards, and a 16 yard completion to Shakir moved them into Seattle territory. Allen ran for nine yards on 3rd and 3 to move the chains, and a critical roughing the passer penalty on third down moved the Bills to the 12 yard line. Allen bought time in the pocket, and found Dalton Kincaid over the middle, who accelerated into the endzone for the touchdown. With just 18 seconds left in the half, Seattle knelt the ball, going into halftime down 14–3.

Bills Overcome Even More Penalties

The story of the game had been Buffalo’s ability to overcome the numerous flags called on them in the first half. This sentiment continued on the first drive of the second half, with a 10 yard holding call on Buffalo’s first play. Allen connected with Coleman for a 15 yard screen to earn most of it back, and a 35 yard completion to Shakir downfield quickly moved them into Seattle territory. Kincaid picked up 12 more yards, and rookie Ray Davis moved the chains with his five yard run on 3rd and 2. With 1st and Goal from the five yard line, a delay of game moved the Bills back to the 10. Allen threw two incomplete passes and Tyler Bass kicked a 27 yard field goal to extend the lead.

Ball Bouncing Buffalo’s Way

It seemed like every bounce was in favor of the Bills on Sunday, and that continued in the third quarter. Attempting a running back screen from midfield, Smith’s pass was tipped by Casey Toohill into the arms of Austin Johnson. The defensive tackle held onto the ball for his first career interception.

It was time to “Let James Cook,” with the back taking four carries for 25 yards, including a two yard rush into the endzone. Allen also connected with Coleman for a 21 yard gain to move the chains on 3rd down. Buffalo’s offensive line did a tremendous job blocking all day, but especially on this drive, where Buffalo wasn’t flagged once.

By then, the Seahawks began losing their composure, committing numerous penalties on what would be a three-and-out drive. Holding, false start, and taunting cost them 25 yards of field position, and they’d punt on 4th and 15 from their own 15 yard line.

Let James Cook (Part 2)

Allen found Knox open in the seam for a 27 yard gain to move into Seattle territory. Cook notched 28 yards on four carries, eventually finding the endzone for the second time on a seven yard power run up the middle.

Too little too late, Smith led a touchdown drive down the field, completing passes of 14, 18, and 20 to his receivers to gain yardage efficiently. On 1st and Goal from the one yard line, Charbonnet got the Seahawks into the endzone for the first time.

A sack from rookie Javon Solomon ended Seattle’s next drive, and a muffed punt recovered by Mack Hollins was the icing on the cake for a dominant Bills victory.

Afterthoughts

The Bills did everything right on Sunday, except commit too many fouls. The ground game found success with 164 rushing yards, 111 from Cook, and six different receivers caught passes helping a successful passing game. The defense didn’t allow a second scoring drive until late in the 4th quarter, dominating the line of scrimmage, pressuring Smith, and covering receivers well. Even special teams did well, with Bass 4–4 on extra points and 1–1 on field goal attempts, Martin averaging 49 yards per punt, and recovering a muffed punt for the team’s second forced turnover of the game.

Allen finished the day with 24 completions for 283 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw his first interception of the season, and was sacked once. It wasn’t an insane day from JA17, but these also aren’t pedestrian numbers either. It’s amazing what Bills Mafia now considers to be a “good” or “bad” game for a QB because of how well Allen has played over the last five seasons.

Amari Cooper wasn’t nearly as involved this week, catching one of two targets for three yards. However, his presence has clearly had an effect on the other receivers, allowing Coleman and Shakir to see much better opportunities now that they’re lower on the list of concerns for a defense. Coleman’s connection with Allen seems to be growing rapidly, with the rookie hauling in five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.

The defense didn’t look like it was missing two of their best players, with Matt Milano still on IR and Terrel Bernard nursing an injury from last week. Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector weren’t picked on much by Seattle, and the play of the other nine players on the field helped mask the loss of two All-Pro caliber players.

PENALTIES. Buffalo was flagged 13 times for 85 yards. The Bills have been extremely undisciplined over the last few weeks, but have been able to overcome the flags on both sides of the ball. The team will need to clean this up quickly, because they might not be as fortunate against tougher competition.

Game Awards

Offensive Player of the Game: Khalil Shakir

Shakir caught nine of ten targets for 107 yards, including Allen’s longest completion of the day for 35 yards. He has quickly turned into Allen’s security blanket, and has tremendous run after catch instincts. His shiftiness helps create separation, but he isn’t afraid to take a hit or lower his shoulder if it means extra yardage. While I don’t think he’ll get double-digit targets every game, good things tend to happen when Shakir is given the ball often.

Defensive Player of the Game: Greg Rousseau

Groot was dominant once again, even though he didn’t show up much on the stat sheet. He finished with four total tackles, two of which were for a loss, and had two passes defended. He was critical on the goal line, helping prevent two separate drives from reaching the end zone.

MVP: Bills Mafia

Despite Seattle being almost as far away from Buffalo as you can get, Bills Mafia was noticeable at Lumen Field. Geno Smith even said in his postgame interview that it “kind of felt like we were on the road at times.” Those Bills fans that made the trip were rewarded with a fun, primarily easy-going game that saw Buffalo in control the entire time.

What’s Next: Bills vs Dolphins 11/3

The 2–5 Dolphins come to Orchard Park, with Tua Tagovailoa back under center. Meanwhile, the Bills will get Von Miller back from his four game suspension, giving Buffalo an added boost for an opportunity to strengthen their already tight grip on the division.

Editor’s babble: I just love Colin Richey’s postgame reviews. If I had to miss a game, these reviews would give me the most accurate read on any game. We are grateful for his contributions to our blog. You can also find Colin on Xwitter @whatthef00tball.