Depth in the backfield could be the key to unlocking the Bills’ offensive efficiency

Monday’s game ended with Taron Johnson catching Aaron Rodgers’ final pass of the game. However, Buffalo’s offense put the team in position to win.

The Bills were forced to play without a Pro Bowl with James Cook, who is dealing with a toe injury. However, the offense didn’t seem to miss a beat thanks to the impressive play of backup Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis.

Davis had a particularly big impact, showing his skills as a ball carrier and pass catcher throughout the game. He finished with 97 rushing yards, three catches and 55 receiving yards.

While Cook will undoubtedly continue to be a big part of the game plan upon his return, offensive coordinator Joe Brady should consider creating more opportunities for Johnson and Davis.

While Davis played a key role, the Bills got a clean, efficient performance from Josh Allen (19 of 25 for 215 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD) – something Buffalo didn’t see during its two-game losing streak. .

Over the past two weeks, Allen was a combined 25 of 59 for 311 yards and one touchdown. His struggles and lack of a go-to wide receiver have led to a lot of trade speculation. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Buffalo was one of the teams “monitoring” the Las Vegas Raiders’ situation alongside Davante Adams.

It’s possible the Bills could look to acquire a receiver before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. In the meantime, though, they would be wise to rely a little less on Allen’s ability to run the offense — though the occasional shot is certainly warranted — and a little more on the team’s surplus of backfield talent.

It’s a formula that helped settle the offense when Brady became the play-caller last season and helped make Cook a star in the first place.

Coaching changes could improve the Jets offense, but the problems run deep

The big storyline surrounding the Jets entering Monday night was obviously the coaching changes made last week. New York fired former head coach Robert Saleh, replaced him with Jeff Ulbrich and made Todd Downing the new offensive play-caller.

Ulbrich, who had been the defensive coordinator since 2021, continued to call the defensive plays Monday, while Ubrich took over on the offensive end for coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

Overall, the results were mixed.

Offensively, there were certainly signs of improvement. Some creative plays didn’t work — quarterback Rodgers was planted on a flea attempt — but there was more variety, offensive rhythm and a clear effort to get the ball to No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson (8 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD).

Rodgers (23 of 35 for 294 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) had his most productive passing game as a Jet to date.