By: Crawford Guzinski
Image Source : Andreas Prott — Adobe Stock
After winning the AFC East four consecutive seasons, the Buffalo Bills are entering the following season underappreciated and overlooked. Although his rank is a topic of debate, Josh Allen is universally recognized as a top five quarterback in the league with a convincing argument for being the best quarterback in the league. A natural born leader, Allen makes all his teammates better, especially his receiving core.
This season, our receiving core will be one of our biggest concerns following the departure of our star receiver Stefon Diggs. Although Diggs was Buffalo’s wide receiver one for the past four seasons, his production declined significantly after Week 6 of the regular season, including the post season. His performance was not anywhere close to where we needed Diggs to be playing and combined with a plethora of unwanted drama, we are better with Diggs traded away. With the departure of our top two wide receivers (Gabe Davis was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars), we still have many offensive weapons to pair with Josh Allen. When you have a quarterback with the skill and versatility of Allen, any wide receiver will be able to perform well.
Regarding receivers, our newer acquisitions include Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Curtis Samuel, and Keon Coleman. Valdes-Scantling has never been a breakout star but has consistently been a valuable second or third option, averaging about 525 yards per season. Curtis Samuel, has had his best season under our current offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Both were with the Panthers in 2020, giving them an advantage due to their previous connection. Between their connection, and Samuel’s skill when healthy, he is set up for an extraordinarily strong season as our wide receiver two. Although Keon Coleman will be competing with veteran players for a spot, his athleticism could make him a significant contributor this season. After a very boom or bust season at FSU in 2023, Bills fans can only hope his athleticism will translate to a more consistent performance which could earn him the wide receiver two position. As expected, our newest player at wide receiver will be Khalil Shakir. As our wide receiver three last year, Shakir showed promise by, in my opinion, outperforming Diggs towards the end of the season. Shakir even recorded over 100 yards both against the Jets and the Dolphins. Along with our exceptional receiving tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, the Bills are in perfect position for another strong offensive season. Additionally, Pro Bowl running back James Cook returns this year after recording over 1,100 rushing yards and over 400 receiving yards last season.
With these offensive changes, in addition to draft picks going towards defensive players, I believe the Bills will defy expectations and deliver an exceptional season. Most predictions have either the Jets or Dolphins winning the division, but I see the Bills winning the AFC East for the fifth straight year. In addition, with our explosive offense Josh Allen will continue to be in the MVP conversations surpassing 4,000 passing yards once again. Although beaten down, the Bills are not done making playoff noise just yet.