To ask most NFL pundits and fans (outside of Buffalo Bills fans) this year who the favorites for the Super Bowl are, you would hear the usual suspects. Those would be the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers, and even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, a name that has emerged from the pack has been the surging Buffalo Bills. The Bills amassed a 13-3 record, winning the AFC East. Also of note, is that the Bills went undefeated against the AFC East. In comparison to how the Bills won games last season, leaning on a strong and gritty defense, the 2020-2021 Bills have shown a more complete game. The offense has dominated games while the defense has come through in clutch situations.
Why The Buffalo Bills Can Win The Super Bowl
Josh Allen
It’s fair to say that when Josh Allen began his career in a Bills uniform, there were concerns about his mechanics and ceiling. The criticism was based on mechanical issues that caused Allen to overthrow his targets, with an arm that rivals the best in the league. Allen’s decision making when under pressure was unrefined, leading to interceptions or fumbles.
However, in 2020 Allen’s game has fully matured, even putting him in the MVP conversation. Allen’s two-way quarterback style gives defenses fits with being fifth in rushing touchdowns and seventh in passing yards per game. Allen has broken Jim Kelly‘s single-season passing yard record with 34 touchdowns, making him the best quarterback in Bills history. This season Allen has, stat-wise, put himself on par with Patrick Mahomes II, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady. There is no reason to not consider Allen one of the top quarterbacks in the playoffs.
Stefon Diggs
The acquisition of Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings for four picks, including a 2020 first-round pick used to select wide receiver Justin Jefferson, was originally seen as both a boon and a gamble by fans and media alike. However, the incredibly talented receiver has given the Bills and Allen a true number one option down the field. Diggs has ended the season leading the NFL in total receiving yards (1,535), first in receptions (127), and second in the receiving yards per game (95.94). The connection that has developed between Diggs and Allen has created a trust that allows Allen to throw to Diggs consistently. Diggs has also brought a leadership quality that has brought positive energy and confidence.
Offensive Depth
Not only Diggs, but Allen also has two other wide receivers who have made a mark on the Bills franchise as well, in Cole Beasley and John Brown. Beasley has been Allen’s second based option behind Diggs, with a combination of speed and experience. Beasley has broken the record set by Darren Sproles of receiving touchdowns caught by a player 5’8 or under with 33. John Brown’s quickness and elusiveness on the field have giving defenses problems. Beasley and Brown provide the perfect complement to Diggs as secondary options. On the running side, tight-end Dawson Knox and backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss have given the Bills effective options.
The Defense Is Healthy
Sean McDermott’s Buffalo Bills are built through a blue-collar work ethic that is especially represented through the defense. The Bills have spent the last 5 years drafting and focusing on high-end defensive talent. With the likes of Tremaine Edmunds, Ed Oliver, and Tre’Davious White, the Bills have terrorized quarterbacks with hard-nosed defense. Multiple injuries to the defense during this season have led to a temporary shuffling of players to fill in the gaps; however, presenting a “next man up” attitude has led the Bills to a 13-3 record. The defense has shown that once healthy, they resemble the defense ranked number two in the league last season.
The 2020-21 Buffalo Bills have a chance this year to make history for their franchise. Bills Mafia has long awaited this chance at greatness, with finally having the stars align. The construction of this team has the capability to come out of the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills can win the Superbowl this year.
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