It’s now or never for the Bills.
They enter the week 15 with a record of 7-6 and hanging onto the 7th and final playoff spot in the AFC.
There’s no margin for error, with three teams on the outside looking in entering the weekend at 7-6 as well.
The urgency that will be necessary these final four weeks was seen in the 2nd half against Tampa Bay last Sunday.
That needs to carry over.
“The time is now… we understand that it’s time to punch that ticket.”
Dion Dawkins on the #Bills mentality as they begin this final 4 game stretch to push into the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/XNzXK0FUyN
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) December 16, 2021
The team believes it will, but like we’ve seen a lot this season, the Bills have had trouble walking the walk after talking the talk.
Sunday is the next chance to show it.
Let’s dive into the match-up against the Carolina Panthers.
Allen Good to Go
All eyes have been on Josh Allen’s left foot all week since suffering a sprain in the loss to the Bucs.
After being limited Wednesday and Thursday, Allen was a full participant at practice on Friday and got the green light from Sean McDermott to start Sunday.
Josh Allen is set to start Sunday against the #Panthers.
On top of what he’s been told from #Bills medical team, Sean McDermott using eye test as well to make decision.
“He seems to be able to execute the job description that goes along with the quarterback position.” pic.twitter.com/xY89G4dWnM
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) December 17, 2021
McDermott notes that he believes Allen won’t have any limitations, meaning his legs could be a factor once again.
Last week was unique in regards to Allen running, with far less designed runs being called and him choosing to stay in the pocket and throw more than escape and take off.
That dual-threat ability is what makes him so dangerous and, especially if healthy, I think the Bills should continue to unleash Allen by air AND land.
Dawkins Status Unknown
Allen may need to be on the move with more shuffling potentially being forced across the offensive line.
Dion Dawkins tested positive for COVID-19 Friday, leaving his status in doubt.
It is the second time Dawkins has gotten COVID-19, with the first coming back in late July and putting him in the hospital for nearly a week.
New league protocols allow a vaccinated person to return if asymptomatic and just one negative test.
Dawkins said in training camp he was vaccinated.
If he isn’t available Sunday, the Bills once again have a few ways to potentially fill a void up front.
Spencer Brown played left tackle during training camp and the first preseason game while Dawkins was out with his first COVID-19 bout.
That scenario would likely push Daryl Williams back out to right tackle and slide Jon Feliciano in at right guard.
Based on how they’ve filled other holes along the OL, this seems most likely.
A plug-and-play option just at LT could be rookie Tommy Doyle, versatile lineman Ryan Bates, or call-up Bobby Hart from the practice squad.
Whoever plays on the outside is going to have a tall task against Haason Reddick (7th in the NFL with 10.5 sacks) and Brian Burns (tied for 17th in NFL with 8 sacks).
Cashing in the Red Zone
The Bills may be a top ten offense, but their issues in the red zone have been consistent and cost them multiple games.
They currently are 18th in the NFL with a 58.9% red zone TD rate.
Coaches and players alike have been open about the struggles and need to swing the other way.
The Panthers may have one of the best defenses in the NFL (2nd in total yards allowed with 293 per game and 1st against the pass with 177.7 yards allowed per game), but they’re one of the worst at keeping teams out of the end zone when down in the red area.
They’re 26th in red zone defense at 67.57%. It’s even worse in goal to go situations, allowing a TD 83.33% of the time (tied for 26th).
This is where I’d continue to utilize Allen’s legs… just as Carolina has done with Cam Newton, past and present.
2 QB Attack
Hey, look at that segue!
Newton is back with the Panthers, signing about a month ago after being released by the Patriots before the season began.
In four games, Newton has thrown for 467 yards on 58.7% completion with 3 TDs and 3 INTs.
Add into that 26 carries for 112 rushing yards and 4 TDs.
Newton still isn’t throwing it well, failing to eclipse even 200 passing yards, keeping everything shorter with an average depth of target of 6.4 yards.
His struggles the last two weeks have led to Newton being benched in favor of P.J. Walker.
Walker’s numbers don’t look much different from Newton, throwing for 362 yards on 54.5% completion with a TD and 3 INTs.
Bills defenders said this week that there is a challenge preparing for both Newton and Walker, with each bringing a different style of play.
Panthers head coach Matt Ruhle has indicated both QBs could see time Sunday against the Bills.
On the Line
BUF (-12)
O/U: 44.5
**According to Caesars Sports Book**
Injury Report
PANTHERS
OUT: CB A.J. Bouye (foot)
QUESTIONABLE: WR DJ Moore (hamstring), G Michael Jordan (hamstring), John Miller (ankle)
BILLS
DOUBTFUL: WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: RB Taiwan Jones (knee), DT Star Lotulelei (toe), DE A.J. Epenesa (ankle)
Prediction
Bills win 20-10
It isn’t going to be the prettiest, but the Bills take care of business. Carolina’s defense is able to pressure Allen, but he does enough with two TD passes to support a solid Bills defensive performance that’s highlighted by 2 takeaways.
**Make sure to tune into Spectrum News 1 immediately after the game for “Buffalo End Zone.” Our LIVE postgame show brings you highlights, team reaction, and analysis from host Kevin Carroll, our Bills beat reporter Jon Scott, and Bills radio sideline reporter Sal Capaccio.**
