Buffalo Bills Quarterly Report & Awards: Weeks 1-4

The Buffalo Bills season got off to a rocky start with a tough 22-16 loss to the New York Jets but have since bounced back nicely. They’ve won three in a row with an average margin of a victory of 30 points. It appears that both sides of the ball are rolling but, as we know, the NFL season is full of ups and downs. Let’s take a look at the Bills quarterly report card and awards.

Report Card

Offensive Grade – A-

Through four games, the Buffalo Bills offense has continued to show why they’ve been one of the most feared in the NFL, in recent years. They rank sixth in yards per game (391.0) and second in points per game (34.8). With the emergence of James Cook, the Bills rushing attack looks to have a different energy. They rank top ten in rushing yards while still ranking seventh in passing yards. They’re able to beat you through the air and on the ground, creating a headache for defenses.

I decided to give them an A- because as good as they’ve been, I can’t forget the monstrosity that was the Jets game. They would easily have an A+ if they didn’t have four turnovers and only 16 points in that game. It appears the Jets have Josh Allen’s number and it’s preventing the Bills from getting that A+ grade. However, if they keep what they’ve been doing the past three games, they’ll get that grade up quickly.

Defensive Grade – A+

The offense has been very good so far, but the bigger story might be the defense. With Sean McDermott taking over, this defense seems to have taken their game to another level. They lead the league in takeaways, averaging almost three per game. The secondary looks to be one of the best in the league, forcing eight interceptions and ranking fourth in passing yards allowed. With the injury to Tre’Davious White the defense will have to adjust, but we should have no doubt that McDermott will continue to have this defense ready for anything.

I think many would agree that this defense deserves an A+. Only allowing 13.8 points per game is remarkable, and they may have had their best showing in week four. They shut down a top tier offense in the Miami Dolphins a week after having nine sacks, five takeaways and allowing three points. You can’t ask much more from this defense at this point in the season.

Awards

Most Improved – James Cook

There were a couple players I thought of for this award, but I think James Cook makes the most sense at this point. Bills fans had high expectations for Cook this season, as he took over as RB1 for Devin Singletary, and he’s been outstanding. He’s averaging 74.0 yards per game on the ground while adding another 28.8 yards per game through the air. Cook being dangerous in both the air and ground game has given this offense a different feel.

His workload from this season to last is night and day. He appears to be on his way to smashing his totals from last season and could be the Bills first 1,000-yard rusher since LeSean McCoy in 2017. Buffalo appears to have found their RB1 for the foreseeable future.

Unsung Hero – Terrel Bernard

This was another award that was tough to choose, but I think it’d be a shame to choose anyone other than Terrel Bernard. There was a lot of pressure on him coming into this season and he’s handled it perfectly. He’s the current leader in tackles for Buffalo and has done it all. He’s racked up two sacks, interceptions, and fumble recoveries so far and has looked like a great partner next to Matt Milano.

It’s a big ask to have a young player like Bernard to come in and be a leader on an elite defense. Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane didn’t look too much into the linebacker market this offseason and we’re seeing why now. Without Bernard, this defense might not be on the level they have been.

Offensive Player of the Year – Stefon Diggs

We all know how great Stefon Diggs is so it should be no shock to see him as the leader for this award. He has 39 receptions for 399 yards and four touchdowns in four games this season: continuing to be one of the best receivers in the league. Diggs is a captain on this team for a reason. It makes me curious about how this offense would look without him. It’s a good thing we won’t have to find out.

If Diggs is involved, you can bet that the Bills offense is having a great day. His last game against the Dolphins was poetry in motion as he tore up their secondary for 120 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions. He really is HIM.

Defensive Player of the Year – Sean McDermott

I know the award says player, but I couldn’t help myself and picked Sean McDermott. There are too many players that could be in the conversation for this award. However, there’s one man putting them in position for success. McDermott’s defenses have always been great and this year they seem to be on a different level. As previously mentioned, they lead the league in turnovers. They’re also tied for the league lead in sacks with 16 which has been the biggest difference from past seasons.

Sean McDermott has this defense flying all over the field and has made life tough for opposing offenses. After the game plan they had against Miami, I couldn’t stop myself from giving Sean this award. He should be in the conversation for coach of the year and Buffalo is lucky to have him.

Play of the Year – Matt Milano’s ‘Moss’/Stefon Diggs 55-yard Touchdown

This was the toughest award to decide. It was so tough that I picked two plays. The first play is Matt Milano’s interception versus the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s impressive to see a receiver moss a player, never mind a linebacker. As Milano went up and over Josh Jacobs to bring in the interception, I think all of Bills Mafia lost their mind. The Bills were up 18 and this play seemed like the dagger for the Raiders.

The second play came with three minutes left in the second quarter with the Bills up seven. It was back and forth up until this drive, and it seemed to be the turning point. As Diggs caught the ball, he was grabbed by one Dolphin defender. Seconds later, he was grabbed by another. He spun around and somehow got both defenders off him before running the last 40 yards to the endzone. It was a game changing play and gave the Bills all the momentum.

Both of these plays were unbelievable so I couldn’t pick just one. Let us know what you think. Which play is better: Milano’s ‘Moss’ or Diggs 55-yard touchdown?

Most Valuable Player – Joshua Patrick Allen

I think we can all agree that if Josh Allen never had the horrible season opener, he’d be far and away the MVP of the entire NFL. So, it’s only fair that he gets this award for the Bills. As Josh goes, the Bills go. That’s been evident each game. Since the Jets game, Allen has gone 72/94 for 812 yards, 8 touchdowns, and one interception through the air. He’s been virtually unstoppable and has made many analysts eat their words.

If Josh can continue to take what’s given with splash plays mixed in, he’ll find himself holding the real MVP award soon. Bills Mafia, we are witnessing quarterback play at a level I’m not sure we’ve seen. Sit back and enjoy it while it’s here.