The Buffalo Bills lost 24-18 to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, November 5th in another disappointing offensive effort.
Here's what happened:
The Bills offense put up 7 points in their first offensive possession of the game before sputtering out the remainder of the half amassing only 37 yards. Things did not get significantly better as the second half started as the team was held without a touchdown in the third quarter.
A touchdown in the fourth quarter made it a one possession game. Unfortunately for the Bills, an untimely turnover late in the fourth quarter - a fumble by TE Dalton Kincaid - gave the ball back to Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense who closed out the game.
The Bills offense has been a problem since a victory over the Miami Dolphins in week 4. The team's record of 2-3 since then is a direct result of Ken Dorsey's spotting unit.
Scoring in the first half of games has been a huge struggle. The team has been held to 7 points or less in four out of their last five games (Jaguars 7 points, Giants 0 points, Patriots 3 points and Bengals 7 points). The only game in which they scored more than 7 points in the first half was against Tampa Bay where they scored 17.
Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey appears unable to lead Josh Allen and Co. out of their offensive slump. Head scratching play calls throughout the game, including a defiance to allow Josh Allen more freedom to go no huddle, has resulted in little to no improvement.
Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott has no answer as to why the offense is unable to operate more efficiently, but acknowledged a problem exists.
“There were times when Josh had time back there and maybe nobody was open," said McDermott, "but we have to wonder why no one is open when he has time.”
The Bills find currently themselves out of a playoff spot after the loss to Cincinnati and second place in the AFC East to the Miami Dolphins. A win by the New York Jets on Monday Night Football would leave them third place in the division.