Buffalo Bills: Passing game needs to improve in 2017
By James Reeve
The Buffalo Bills enter the 2017 season hoping to end the longest playoff drought in football and improving the team’s passing game could go a long way to achieving that.
The 2016 season saw the Buffalo Bills rely heavily on the run game, with LeSean McCoy having one of the best seasons of his career. McCoy ran for 1,267 yards and 13 touchdowns while the Bills averaged 164.4 rushing yards per game, leading the NFL in that category.
However, their passing game left much to be desired by averaging 189.8 yards per game – good for 30th in the NFL.
If the Bills hope to make a legitimate push for the playoffs, the team’s offence needs to be more balanced and quarterback Tyrod Taylor needs to be given as many opportunities to make plays through the air.
Sammy Watkins should start the season fully healthy and the Bills have brought in rookie receiver Zay Jones and rookie lineman Dion Dawkins to address the team’s needs on offence. But there is much more the team could do to help their QB, who is entering the final year of his recently restructured deal.
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Reports have suggested free agent tight end Gary Barnidge met with the Bills last month, but is currently delaying over signing with the team as he is looking to be the number-one guy.
Charles Clay is entrenched as the Bills’ top tight end and Barnidge would likely be used in specific packages and not as an every-down player. Should Clay suffer an injury, which is a possibility given his history, then Barnidge would find himself catapulted into the role he wants.
Having depth in potential receiver roles will support Taylor and give the Bills something extra in the passing game.
With Watkins also having a history of injury troubles, the Bills should look to address their receiver corps by bringing in a veteran receiver that can be used in certain situations and alleviate the pressure on Watkins and incoming rookie Jones.
Anquan Boldin is still a free agent. Despite being 36 years old, he could be a solid addition for a season.
In 2016, Boldin caught 67 passes for 584 yards and eight touchdowns while playing for the Detroit Lions. Even while playing for the Lions, Boldin was used in special scenarios and six of his touchdowns came from passes within opposing teams’ 20-yard line.
Having a veteran such as Boldin used in red zone situations, supporting Watkins and Jones while giving Taylor another target to throw to, could allow the Bills to vary their offensive game plans and make them a difficult opponent to break down.
Questions still remain regarding Watkins and Taylor’s long-term futures with the Bills, but adding some extra pieces to support the passing game could certainly make that much clearer.
Next: Bills: Will Sammy Watkins become a bust?
What do you think? Should the Bills target some free agents to support their passing game? Or should they continue to rely so heavily on McCoy and the run game? Share your thoughts in the comments section.