Bills could lose close games – Buffalo Bills Blog

ORCHARD PARK (N.Y.) — Two points down Miami Dolphins The clock is set at 18 seconds and there are no timeouts Sunday. Buffalo Bills To complete a game winning drive,

Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie A pass that could have taken them closer to the field goal line was caught by him, but he couldn’t get out of bounds. Time ran out.

The Dolphins’ loss pushed the team to 0-7 in one score games since Week 9, 2020. Only Buffalo and the Houston Texans Since the start of the 2021 seasons (0-6-1), they have not won a single score game. The Bills (2-1), tied for third place in regular-season wins (21-8).

The most number of games decided by less than three points in NFL history is 18 this season. It could be difficult to manage close games with the tough matchups ahead. Lamar Jackson Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS).

“It’s an ongoing conversation,” coach Sean McDermott said. “We spent a lot of time in those last two to three plays of the game situations on all sides of the ball. You see us working on two-minute out there quite a bit, as much as I’ve ever been around to be honest with you.”

Some of the Bills’ woes in close games fall on the defense. In one-score games in the fourth quarter or overtime since Week 9 of 2020, the Bills’ opponents have averaged the most passing yards per attempt (9.06) in the league and only been sacked three times (fewest). Buffalo’s defense has also recorded one takeaway (worst in the NFL) in those situations.

“I just feel like we just gotta do a better job executing at the end of the game,” nickel cornerback Taron Johnson said. “That’s what it comes down to when you’re tired in that fourth quarter, it’s easy to make mistakes, you know? So, we really just gotta buckle down and just making sure we’re staying focused and executing.”

The Dolphins were able to get the ball twice in fourth quarter. However, they did score a touchdown by running back for 3-yards. Chase Edmonds After converting a third and 22 on a pass of 45 yards earlier in the drive, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Problem is the inability to stop big plays, especially when Bills lead.

The Bills were also affected by injuries in Sunday’s game, particularly in the secondary with safety. Micah Hyde (neck) Placed on the injured reserve and out of season and safety Jordan Poyer Cornerback and (foot) Dane Jackson (neck), missing the game. Rookie cornerback Christian Benford He broke his right arm during the game. This required surgery. Ed Oliver (ankle). Jordan Phillips (hamstring).

“The games come down, it’s in the margins most games, right, in terms of what separates winning from losing and whatnot,” McDermott said. “And I think it’s the details, the execution, and there’s a lot that goes into that.”

While the Bills’ offense has been successful in moving the ball in tight games, it has not been able to do so in the redzone. Since Week 9, 2020, the Bills have scored touchdowns in 22.2% of close game red zone drives (32nd), and an average of 4.57 points per match in those situations (31st). The Bills’ 64% red zone efficiency is tied for 11th in the NFL this season. The Bills’ ability to maintain the ball and drive is not an issue. They should be finished in tight situations.

With a 31.3-point difference in wins between Week 9 and 2020, the Bills have been consistently winning. This is the best in the league. However, losing close games can prove costly. For example, the Bills were forced to travel to Kansas City in 2021 playoffs due to six close losses that season. Although it is important to end this streak, players insist they are not concerned.

“Every game’s a different situation,” quarterback Josh Allen said. “Obviously, we got to find ways to win them. But we’re working through that, and we don’t see that as a problem at all.”