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Buffalo Bills: Rapid Reactions from 13-7 Loss to Baltimore Ravens

By Chris Okrainetz

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan (R) and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (L) call a play in during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan (R) and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (L) call a play in during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Bills hung around for four quarters on Sunday, but their inability to take advantage of the Ravens’ mistakes proved to be costly. Here’s a collection of thoughts, observations and reactions from the Bills 13-7 loss.

16. Final. 13. 26. 7

The Buffalo Bills had a number of opportunities to leave M&T Bank Stadium with a victory on Sunday, but the team failed to capitalize on the Baltimore Ravens’ mistakes and will head back to Western New York with an 0-1 record.

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For Bills’ fans, it’s a tough to pill to swallow, especially against an AFC opponent. While the defence played well, the offence was dreadful on Sunday, only gaining 160 yards. Sadly, this was a game the Bills could have easily won and you can’t help but feel like this one might come back to haunt them at some point this season.

Thoughts and Observations:

The offence struggled right out of the gate, finishing the first quarter with negative two rushing yards and a whopping four passing yards. It never really improved throughout the game and it cost the Bills.

  • Pass protection was a major issue. Tyrod Taylor was constantly under pressure, particularly on third down, and he finished with an ugly stat line, going 15-for-25 with 111 passing yards and no touchdowns.
  • The rushing attack wasn’t much better on Sunday. Although LeSean McCoy scored the Bills lone touchdown, the duo of McCoy and Reggie Bush only combined for 69 rushing yards on 19 carries. Considering the success they had running behind Cordy Glenn and Richie Incognito last season, I’d imagine — pending the health of Glenn — the Bills will pound the rock behind the left side of their offensive line going forward.
  • Sammy Watkins needs to be involved in the offence more. When you think about how dynamic of a receiver Watkins is, four catches for 43 yards is unacceptable. There wasn’t a ton of one-on-one opportunities against cornerback Jimmy Smith, and the Ravens did funnel coverage towards Watkins, but the Bills need to do a better job of getting the ball in the hands of No. 14.

    • Defensively, the Bills looked much better. They held the Ravens to the 13 points, racked up four sacks, and allowed just 83 yards rushing. After one week, year two of Rex Ryan’s defence is off to a good start.

    Penalties were an issue, particularly on special teams. The Bills had four personal foul calls, and finished the day with eight penalties for 89 yards.

    Injury Notes:

    Plagued by an ankle injury throughout training camp, Glenn left the game early on Sunday with an ankle injury. He was spotted in a walking boot following the game.

    What’s Next:

    The Bills (0-1) will head home for Week 2 to take on the New York Jets on Thursday, September 15th. Aside from the whole Rex Ryan against his old team narrative, the biggest storyline will be the Bills playing their first game at New Era Field.

    Next: Top 5 Bills Head Coaches in Franchise History

    The quick turnaround doesn’t give the Bills much time to resolve their offensive issues, but the team will have to be better offensively, particularly in pass protection, if they’re going to defeat the Jets.

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