Football: Buffalo Bills Von Miller (40), Tim Settle (99) and Tremaine Edmunds (49) look on vs. New York Jets at Met Life Stadium. East Rutherford, NJ 11/6/2022 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: x164230 TK1)

We’ve reached the midway point of the 2022 NFL season. Coming into this year, the Buffalo Bills were the Super Bowl favorites. Midway through, this is still the case, but the look of the team is slightly different than it was two months prior.

The Bills have lost one All-Pro for the season (safety Micah Hyde) and have had other key contributors go down with various injuries and ailments, forcing others to step up.

The biggest disappointment? The starting offensive line.

The biggest surprise? A solid rookie class that has stepped in for injured starters and have gradually gained traction as key contributors to the already-potent Bills roster.

Using rankings from Pro Football Focus (PFF), combined with other analytics, I’ve come up with mid-season grades for each key offensive and defensive contributor for the Buffalo Bills.

The grades take into account the player’s Week 1 designated role and expectations for the season.

Quarterback

Josh Allen
PFF Grade: 88.5
PFF Rank: 2nd of 39
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 95.3
Grade: A+
Analysis: Even after struggling the past game and a half versus the Packers and Jets, JA17 is amongst the favorites to win the league MVP. Hopefully his UCL injury isn’t too serious and he peaks again toward the end of the regular season and into the playoffs as he did last year.

Running backs

Devin Singletary
PFF Grade: 73.5
PFF Rank: 16th of 59
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 70.4
Grade: B
Analysis: Though he doesn’t have “breakaway speed”, Devin Singletary has done a satisfactory job as RB1 in a pass-first offense both as a runner and a pass catcher. Between he, Nyheim Hines and James Cook, Singletary has the most exposure in the Bills offense and will continue to be the running back leader.

James Cook
15.1% of Offensive Snaps
(Too few offensive snaps for PFF ranks)
Analysis: After fumbling away his first NFL carry in his Week 1 debut, Cook saw his playing time limited until recent weeks. He does carry 79.6 PFF grade in his limited playing time and has had a handful of big carries and catches. Look for James Cook to have an increased role in the second half of the season.

Fullback

Reggie Gilliam
PFF Grade: 63.3
PFF Rank: 2nd of 9
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 20.8
Grade: B-
Analysis: The fullback is dying in the NFL. Reggie Gilliam is one of 9 fullbacks who’ve had enough offensive snaps to qualify for PFF grades. Though his biggest asset on offense has been his pass blocking, his greatest contribution to the team has been his special teams play.

Wide receivers

Stefon Diggs
PFF Grade: 91.1
PFF Rank: 2nd of 110
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 76.8
Grade: A+
Analysis: Stefon Diggs has been the most consistent player on this Buffalo Bills team. He is among the top receivers in the league in all receiving categories. The offense lives and dies with Diggs, maybe even more so than Josh Allen, and there is a giant gap between him and the next best receiver on the Bills which may be a problem down the stretch.

Gabe Davis
PFF Grade: 64.9
PFF Rank: 60th of 110
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 81.5
Grade: C+
Analysis: Gabe Davis is known more for his big plays than being a possession receiver which has masked his ineffectiveness so far this season. Though he has played with injuries this year, he’s only had 18 receptions for 451 yards (98 of those on one play). Davis’ 47.7% catch percentage is down compared to his last two seasons and he’s had at least a couple costly drops when the offensive was counting on him this year.

Isaiah McKenzie
PFF Grade: 63.4
PFF Rank: 66th of 110
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 44.9
Grade: C
Analysis: The Bills really hoped that Isaiah McKenzie would be “the man” when it comes to the slot receiver in the 2022 season. Although he hasn’t played poorly the complete first half of the season, there have been instances (see the Chiefs game) where the spotlight may have been a little too big. McKenzie has flourished with the jet sweep and other gadget plays in the past and perhaps that should be more of the role he plays in the second half of the season.

Khalil Shakir
24.4% of Offensive Snaps
(Too few offensive snaps for PFF ranks)
Analysis: Khalil Shakir has seen nearly a quarter of the Bills offensive snaps this season and, though he’s only had six receptions, all of them have resulted in a first down. PFF doesn’t rank him among other wide receivers because of his limited playing time, but they do give him a grade of 66.6 which is better than Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie. I expect Khalil Shakir to have an increased role down the stretch and possibly take over as the #1 the slot receiver.

Tight ends

Dawson Knox
PFF Grade: 63
PFF Rank: 24th of 69
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 69.9
Grade: C-
Analysis: Though he possibly recorded the biggest touchdown of the season versus the Chiefs, Dawson Knox seems to have regressed in 2022 after a breakthrough ’21 campaign. So far this season, his yards after catch, yards per reception and receiving yards per game are down compared to ’21. His drop off this season may be related to a foot injury that caused Knox to miss the week 5 matchup versus the Steelers. If the Bills are going to make a deep playoff push this year, they need Dawson Knox’s 2021 productivity.

Offensive line

Dion Dawkins
PFF Grade: 73.8
PFF Rank: 20th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 98.3
Grade: B+
Analysis: Dion Dawkins has been the most consistent and highest-graded Bills offensive lineman… and it’s not close. He’s kind of a big deal, protecting the franchise’s blindside.

Rodger Saffold
PFF Grade: 48.4
PFF Rank: 66th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 95.8
Grade: F
Analysis: The Buffalo Bills were sure they were upgrading the offensive line’s interior when they signed Rodger Saffold in the offseason. Unfortunately, Saffold has not lived up to his 2021 Pro Bowl hype, ranking in the bottom 15% of the league’s offensive guards. Perhaps Saffold’s slow start is related to an offseason rib injury that kept him out of most of the preseason.

Mitch Morse
PFF Grade: 59.9
PFF Rank: 22nd of 38
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 78.8
Grade: C
Analysis: Even though Mitch Morse allowed his first sack in 16 games this past Sunday, he has seen a slow regression in play over the past few years. However, I believe his PFF rankings don’t do him justice and the guards to his left and right (Saffold and Bates) have been missing assignments, leading Morse to take a hit in PFF grades. Morse needs to stay healthy the remainder of the season.

Ryan Bates
PFF Grade: 60
PFF Rank: 51st of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 95.4
Grade: D+
Analysis: Ryan Bates is another offensive lineman who is simply having a bad season so far. Heading into the season, Bates was being touted as having potential to be a top guard in the league. This is his first year as a starter and he hasn’t lived up to the billing yet, ranking among the lowest starting offensive guards in the NFL.

Spencer Brown
PFF Grade: 61.9
PFF Rank: 54th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 56.9
Grade: D+
Analysis: Before going down with an ankle injury against the Chiefs, Spencer Brown wasn’t lighting things up as the starting right tackle, ranking 54th in the league overall.

David Quessenberry
PFF Grade: 61.9
PFF Rank: 54th of 79
Percent of Offensive Snaps: 44.9
Grade: C+
Analysis: Though he had a tough time against the Jets last week, Quessenberry has actually been a solid backup lineman for the Bills. His PFF Grade is second-highest amongst all Bills lineman.

Defensive ends

Von Miller
PFF Grade: 87.7
PFF Rank: 7th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 63.4
Grade: A
Analysis: Von Miller is still an elite pass rusher. His seven sacks rank 7th in the NFL (he’s only played in 63% of the Bills defensive snaps). Miller brings more than his athleticism to the Buffalo Bills and I firmly believe he’s improved the game of Rousseau, Epenesa and Basham.

Gregory Rousseau
PFF Grade: 83.1
PFF Rank: 11th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 50.9
Grade: A
Analysis: Gregory Rousseau has manned up this year. So far this season, he has 5 sacks and has improved his pass rushing skills immensely. He’s been a bright spot on one of the best defenses in the league.

Boogie Basham
PFF Grade: 77.8
PFF Rank: 23rd of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 28.3
Grade: B+
Analysis: Though his play has been limited (28% of defensive snaps) behind Von Miller and Gregory Rousseau, there is little dropoff when Boogie Basham comes in to relieve Von Miller and Greg Rousseau.

AJ Epenesa
PFF Grade: 56.5
PFF Rank: 83rd of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 36.3
Grade: D+
Analysis: Epenesa has regressed from the 2021 season. He has shown some strength in his pass rushing skills, however.

Shaq Lawson
PFF Grade: 45.5
PFF Rank: 103rd of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 30.9
Grade: D
Analysis: Though he’s shown some flashes this season, Shaq Lawson’s main role is to spell the other defensive ends.

Defensive tackles

Ed Oliver
PFF Grade: 65.8
PFF Rank: 34th of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 26.6
Grade: B-
Analysis: Ed Oliver has taken a step back from his 2021 season and this can be attributed to his ankle injury in Week 1 against the Rams. The Bills coaching staff has been careful to prevent too much of a workload for Oliver as he’s only averaged 47% of the defensive snaps since returning from his injury. Look for Oliver to slowly increase his playing time and have a solid second half of the season.

DaQuan Jones
PFF Grade: 68.6
PFF Rank: 31st of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 59.3
Grade: B
Analysis: Overshadowed by the Von Miller free agency signing is the signing of DaQuan Jones. Jones has been the most consistent Bills defensive tackle this year and is a main reason their defense has been in the top 10 in most categories. DaQuan has been a rock so far for a Bills defense that has been ravaged by injuries.

Tim Settle
PFF Grade: 59.6
PFF Rank: 54th of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 40.1
Grade: C-
Analysis: Tim Settle has been a consistent contributor to the Bills defensive line. His main liability so far this season has been his pash rushing abilities.

Jordan Phillips
PFF Grade: 56.7
PFF Rank: 67th of 121
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 34.4
Grade: D+
Analysis: Though he’s been a liability against the run, Jordan Phillips has helped bridge the gap while Ed Oliver continues to heal.

Linebackers

Tremaine Edmunds
PFF Grade: 75.1
PFF Rank: 15th of 81
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 84.9
Grade: B+
Analysis: Tremaine Edmunds gets a lot of flak for not making “the big play.” Say what you want, but he has been the HEART of the Bills defensive side of the ball, where he’s played in nearly 85% of the snaps and has been excellent in pass coverage. His one downside has been his run defense.

Matt Milano
PFF Grade: 79.1
PFF Rank: 7th of 81
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 80.4
Grade: A-
Analysis: Matt Milano is having his best year as a pro and is finally receiving national praise. His pass coverage and pass rushing skills are among the elite at his position. But a common theme amongst the Bills front six has been issues with run defense and Milano is no different. Let’s hope Milano can stay healthy down the stretch.

Cornerbacks

Dane Jackson
PFF Grade: 62
PFF Rank: 58th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 73.6
Grade: C
Analysis: Dane Jackson has done a decent job taking on the CB1 role in the absence of Tre White so far this season. However, Jackson would be a low-end CB2 on most other NFL teams.

Taron Johnson
PFF Grade: 61.9
PFF Rank: 59th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 91.5
Grade: B+
Analysis: Even though he’s mainly played the nickel corner role, Taron Johnson has taken more defensive snaps than any other Bills defender. He’s been perfect for the slot role and it’s clear the Bills defensive coaches have confidence in him.

Christian Benford
PFF Grade: 60.8
PFF Rank: 64th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 42
Grade: C
Analysis: Despite some injuries, the sixth-round rookie has been an early season surprise for the Bills. He’s shown steady improvement through the first half of the season but has missed some time with injuries. Look for him to battle for the CB2 position after Tre White returns.

Kaiir Elam
PFF Grade: 60.5
PFF Rank: 67th of 110
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 70.3
Grade: C
Analysis: When drafted in the first round this season, Kaiir Elam was projected to compete with Dane Jackson for the CB1 slot while Tre White was out. Starting the season off, Elam was behind fellow-rookie Christian Benford on the depth chart. Elam has slowly come to age and has made some clutch plays this season—none bigger than the interception of Patrick Mahomes in the endzone on the Chiefs’ first drive in Week 6.

Safeties

Jordan Poyer
PFF Grade: 68.4
PFF Rank: 32nd of 84
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 56.4
Grade: B
Analysis: No one can question Jordan Poyer’s toughness. The man couldn’t fly in an airplane because of a lung injury so he drove half a country away to play in the Chiefs game—he’s committed to the team. His play, though, has been down so far this season and he’s a middle-of-the-line safety. This could be because of different ailments he’s been suffering from, or it could be because his partner in crime, Micah Hyde, has been missing. Or, it could be because the game is finally catching up to him. Nevertheless, he’s still the best safety on the roster and his field-general presence is necessary if the Bills want to make a playoff push.

Damar Hamlin
PFF Grade: 66.2
PFF Rank: 36th of 84
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 75.4
Grade: B-
Analysis: Damar Hamlin has stepped up and done a commendable job in the absence of Micah Hyde. Hamlin’s nose for stopping the run has been extremely valuable as the rest of the defense has seemed to have a problem with this. Look for Hamlin and fellow safety, Poyer, to gel as they play more together.

Jaquan Johnson
PFF Grade: 48.7
PFF Rank: 76th of 84
Percent of Defensive Snaps: 42.5
Grade: D
Analysis: Jaquan Johnson was never meant to have significant safety reps on this Bills team, let alone take 42% of the defensive snaps. Unfortunately, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde have had injury issues and Johnson has had to step in.

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