TONY’S TAKE – FIVE THOUGHTS ON BILLS-COLTS

by Tony Fiorello

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 07: a Buffalo Bills helmet rests on the field before the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1.       While it wasn’t the prettiest of wins – Josh Allen’s performance was erratic and the defense got gashed by the run yet again by a mediocre Indianapolis squad – it’s still a victory. Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich’s unit recorded four turnovers, Khalil Shakir and Mack Hollins had nice outings and James Cook had a solid, if unspectacular game. Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid also made a couple of splash plays in the passing game as well.

2.       The best player on the Bills’ defense may have been Taron Johnson. Recording a sack and a pick-six in a matchup between two of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL, Johnson and Indy’s Kenny Moore II each were standouts on the afternoon.

3.       Additionally Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Quinton Jefferson, Auston Johnson and Taylor Rapp made some nice plays on that side of the ball.

4.       Given their lowered expectations entering the season, the numerous injuries they’ve dealt with and their 8-2 record (albeit against mostly soft competition – the only team Buffalo’s beaten with a winning record was Seattle), is it possible McDermott might get some votes for the NFL’s coach of the year award?

5.       Heading into next week’s matchup with Kansas City, maybe a loss to the Chiefs wouldn’t be so bad. Granted, no one likes to lose, but since the Bills have made a habit of beating Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and company in the regular season only to come up short against them when it matters the most (the playoffs) – perhaps a role reversal this season is in order? It could happen, especially if Buffalo decides to hold out Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman again and give them an additional two weeks to heal from their injuries including the bye week.