Payments fall 27-10 to Bengals in divisional spherical
The Buffalo Payments season ended with a 27-10 loss within the AFC Divisional Spherical to the Cincinnati Bengals. Buffalo’s substandard efficiency earns the group disappointing grades for this conflict. Right here’s how The Payments Wire grades Buffalo’s efficiency:
Quarterback: C+
Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen (17)USAT picture
Payments quarterback Allen struggled Sunday afternoon.
The signal-caller made a number of good passes. For essentially the most half, he struggled to seek out open receivers. Allen additionally didn’t have plenty of assist, as he was beneath duress fairly a bit whereas within the pocket.
When he did have time, Allen couldn’t join constantly along with his receivers. Allen had issues along with his accuracy as properly. Allen couldn’t use his legs to make any progress as properly. Allen ended the sport 25-of-42 for 264 yards. Allen didn’t throw a landing, however he did rush one in.
Operating backs: C-
Picture by Kirk Irwin/Getty Pictures)
James Prepare dinner and Devin Singletary had been largely afterthoughts within the offensive recreation plan on Sunday. The operating backs struggled to seek out area when referred to as upon.
The duo ran the ball 10 occasions for 32 yards. For a duo that regarded as if they’d be a bigger a part of the offensive scheme, their lack of involvement was poor.
Receivers/ tight ends: C
(Picture by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Pictures)
The receiving crew couldn’t get on the identical web page with Allen.
Allen discovered receivers when he scrambled and had time. Nevertheless, the receivers largely struggled to seek out separation. When Buffalo’s receivers had been open, Allen was beneath a lot stress that he couldn’t transfer by means of his progressions.
Tight finish Dawson Knox paced Buffalo with 5 catches and 65 yards. Kahlil Shakir led the receiving group with 40 yards on two grabs. Gabe Davis had one of many Payments’ solely highlights on a 25-yard catch along the sideline.
Offensive line: D
Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen (17) (USAT picture)
The offensive line couldn’t deal with the Bengals cross rushers. The Payments had been dominated on the level of assault.
Buffalo’s offensive line struggled to create operating lanes. Additionally they had points giving Allen time to scan the sphere on passing performs.
Line of defense: D+
(Picture by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Pictures)
The defensive position struggled in opposition to a perceived-to-be inferior Cincinnati offensive line. The Payments group was largely pushed round in opposition to the run recreation.
The Bengals rushed for 172 yards on 34 rushes. As well as, Cincy quarterback Joe Burrow plenty of time to choose aside the Payments protection and received the ball out fast anyway.
Linebackers: B+
(Picture by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Pictures)
Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds had been the lone brilliant spot within the divisional recreation. Each gamers had been all around the discipline.
Edmunds’ solely difficulty was staying in protection for a very long time when wanted. In any other case, each gamers racked up the tackles. Edmunds had 13 complete tackles (11 solo), whereas Milano recorded 10 tackles and a sack.
Secondary: B-
(Picture by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Pictures)
The Payments secondary held sturdy so long as they may. Nevertheless, they had been overmatched at occasions, and it confirmed.
With the Payments defensive position failing to get strain on Burrow, the secondary finally was put beneath nice strain.
To not point out, accidents added up. Dean Marlowe (groin) went down and didn’t return. Then Jordan Poyer (head) and Tre’Davious White (head) collided and solely White returned. To not point out, Micah Hyde (neck) has been out for many of 2023, and there’s Damar Hamlin to think about too.
Particular groups: B+
(Picture by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Pictures)
There’s not an important deal to write down about with the particular groups unit. Tyler Bass was profitable on each of his kicks. Sam Martin averaged 44.8 yards per punt. Nyheim Hines averaged 22.5 yards per kick return.
Different shortcomings merely overshadowed any successes.
Teaching: D+
(Picture by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Pictures)
The Payments had zero solutions for the Bengals. Cincinnati jumped on the Payments early, and Buffalo’s workers had no changes that had been profitable in any approach.
Buffalo’s 10 factors had been their fewest on the season. The protection allowed factors on 5 of eight drives to Cincinnati. One of many three “profitable” defensive stands ended with the conclusion of the primary half, whereas one other ended with a punt throughout rubbish time.