The Buffalo Bills let Josh Allen be Josh Allen.
Instead of protecting the football and playing it safe over four quarters, Allen was allowed to let it rip.
At times, it looked like a questionable decision. Allen threw two bad interceptions and saw a few other dangerous passes fall innocently to the turf. There was certainly plenty of bad play in Allen’s day, but the good greatly outweighed it.
Allen would have a hand in six touchdowns (three rushing, three passing) and throw for more than 300 yards in Sunday’s shootout against the Buccaneers.
Allen and the Bills would defeat Tampa Bay 44-32 to move to 7-3. Here are reasons to be encouraged and worried about the Bills.
Encouraged
Ray Davis: Buffalo’s opening field position against Tampa Bay was outstanding all game long. One reason why Buffalo had the opportunity to score so many points was thanks to Ray Davis.
Buffalo’s reserve running back averaged 39.5 yards per kick return, with three going for 40-plus yards.
Tyrell Shavers: Buffalo needed someone to step up in the passing game on Sunday. Although few expected it, Tyrell Shavers was the player to answer the call. Shavers scored on a 43-yard deep ball from Josh Allen and added a few other big catches. He finished with four catches for 90 yards and one score.
Kick returner Mecole Hardman: Mecole Hardman had quite the first impression with the Bills. After a Buccaneers field goal, Hardman fielded a Chase McLaughlin kickoff and took it 61 yards.
Ty Johnson: Ty Johnson’s role in the offense has been cut down significantly this year, but he reminded fans what he could do on Sunday when he took a short Josh Allen pass 52 yards to the end zone after a terrific block by Curtis Samuel.
Cole Bishop: Buffalo’s defense struggled to stop Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers for much of Sunday’s game, but Cole Bishop came up with a big play in the third quarter when he picked off a third-down pass from Mayfield. The interception led to an offensive touchdown one play later.
Worried
Punt returner Mecole Hardman: Hardman makes both lists in his Bills debut. After a rare defensive stop, Tampa Bay punted from deep in its own end. Hardman positioned himself under the ball, but failed to call for a fair catch with pressure bearing down on him. His return was brief as he coughed up the ball. Tampa Bay recovered and proceeded to score a touchdown.
Run game: Buffalo has been one of the best rushing teams in the league, but they’ve struggled to run the ball the past two weeks. Against the Buccaneers, James Cook had just 39 yards on 13 carries.
Cook was able to get into the end zone on a reception, but his inability to run with success is becoming an issue. A large part of the blame falls on the offensive line, as the unit is not opening running lanes for the back.
Finishing on defense: The Bills may lead the league in “almost sacks.” Buffalo will get to the quarterback only to find themselves whiffing on the sack. That happened multiple times on Sunday. Finishing a few plays could have made a big difference.
Run defense: The Bills made Sean Tucker look like a superstar on Sunday. Tampa Bay’s backup running back carved up Buffalo’s woeful run defense for 106 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. He added a touchdown reception on a play where he torched Matt Milano as well.
Rachaad White added 51 yards on 10 carries.
