Keys to Josh Allen’s monster game, rushing success & defensive wrinkles in Bills win over Lions

Buffalo Bills fans, are you ready to dissect a thrilling Week 15 victory? The Bills' impressive win over the Detroit Lions showcased Josh Allen's stellar performance, with no sacks for three consecutive weeks, and a dynamic shift in the running game strategy. Discover how Reggie Gilliam's powerful blocking and the team's new gap run approach led to a remarkable 6.86 yards per carry.
Joe Marino breaks down the defensive line's strategic use of stunts, highlighting Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau's standout performances. With injury updates on key players like Matt Milano and Spencer Brown, and potential roster moves on the horizon, this analysis is packed with insights.
Don't miss out on this deep dive into the Buffalo Bills' strategies and player performances. Tune in for exclusive insights and expert analysis!
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[@wyomingtrout5581]

2024 Bills unsung hero, Ty Johnson. This guy is a keeper

[@quinnjackson9252]

God I love this team. A new combination of mystery contributors steps up every single game. Last week, Cooper did lots of the work. This week, Johnson came up big. Next week, it could be Davis and Shakir, the week after Coleman and Knox. They are so much fun to watch!!

[@m.o.btheworld4094]

This is the definition of a team

[@DeepThinker-gc8nz]

@wyomingtrout Ty Johnson has been solid since we picked him up before last season. One of the most clutch players on the team in my opinion

[@quinnjackson9252]

@ then again, that can be said about most players on this team! Quiet contributors. The only flashy player on the team is Allen, with the other superstars being Cooper and Miller, although both of them fade into the ranks of this team, because the ranks of this team being so diverse and so down to earth is what makes the team so good. Even Allen, as crazy as he is on the field, is quiet and down to earth off the field. I’m so happy about this team!!

[@Rellik187]

Josh Allen is mvp no ifs ands or buts about it ! Go bills

[@IntroducingMrLucci]

watch the Media will start heavily marketing & pushing for Lamar to get it over the final 3 weeks.

[@Rellik187]

@ oh I can see that happening

[@rexfordmorgan7552]

@@IntroducingMrLucciI think Josh has to worry more about Barkley going crazy and breaking the rush record.

[@Stockhandle123]

@@IntroducingMrLucci that won't matter that would be like pissing in the wind. They might as well push Mahomes at that point that's the same odds.

[@Stockhandle123]

@@rexfordmorgan7552 that won't matter he could run for 3000 yards no one's gonna be stupid enough to give the MVP to a running back because the V literally stands for valuable which running backs add almost none of.

[@justmort13]

Joe, aside from the in-depth insight and analysis that is pure GOLD, what I appreciate the most about your outlook is tempering and weathering these overreactions and raw stat criticisms. It’s truly a breath of fresh level-headed and big-picture air & energy. You’re a gem to the game of football-and particularly-to Bills Mafia 🙏

[@snowbeast63]

Joe, you're my favorite broadcaster. I mimic the wwwwwwhats up Bills Mafia with you every day! Locked On's BEST

[@LockedOnBills]

Let's go! Thanks so much

[@og_paulsack]

This analysis was the cat's pajamas. Thanks so much Joe!

[@bobkrause6114]

Thank you for your efforts and commitment, Joe. I remain hopeful we’ll see Milano return to form by the playoffs

[@quinnjackson9252]

My guess is that it will take Milano 8-10 games to get the rust off. It took Tre White a bit longer that long, and he was looking good until he went down again, although his injuries were more physically limiting than Milano's. This was game three for Milano. I am hopeful that Pats Jets Pats will give him plenty of time to make big plays and start feeling the game again, which is a huge step in the recovery process. Let's hope that the Bills add another few playoff wins to get to 8-9, and the Super Bowl can be 10!!!

[@PhilP8980]

I liked that little counter they ran with Cook out of shotgun. They only did it once but it reminded of Jim and Thurman a little.

[@twinfarmjawn6173]

I saw pulling tackles in my dreams last night

[@CoachBombay91]

😂

[@mattrollins7506]

And… I did wear my Bills shirt this week. Every little bit helps the team.

[@Levelstomymaddness]

Yep the O-line and Allen is hard to stop

[@krakhedd]

Call me a fan of everything which involves Reggie Gilliam; he really personifies all the best of McBeane DNA and his attitude and work ethic have always been outstanding. I'm always afraid he's not going to make the team one of these seasons but he keeps making the cut and deserves all the success, he's earned it!!

[@DeepThinker-gc8nz]

@krakhead I never notice when he’s on the field

[@lyn2839]

Thanks Joe appreciate what you do for common fans! Explanations are great 👍🏻

[@LockedOnBills]

Thank you!

[@majorintherepublick5862]

Great job as usual Mr Joe!!

[@Vipaworld_Vito]

So comforting to see Elam and Bishop do well …

[@georgianamcglinchey573]

It WAS fun! Adrenaline still pumping, and listening to the national “JoshAllenisoverratedTheBillsarerebuildingandwon’twinthedivision” media trip over themselves is giving me chills. Thanks Joe for always promoting reason and football joy!

[@jameslaclair4585]

Amari wants a ring 💍

[@mandreadfg]

Well he DEF doesn't wanna be in Hell aka CLE

[@CoachBombay91]

An unselfish, alpha receiver. Not something you see on many teams.

[@quinnjackson9252]

@@CoachBombay91 I agree. He is perfectly happy doing the legwork to distract a defense, while Ty freaking Johnson, someone most teams would consider to be an afterthought as a weapon, little more than a solid support player, has a big game! I've never bought into the Diggs hate, but no way he sits there running routes all game long with zero targets without losing it. I love Cooper, and all of the Bills players, for that reason. Down to earth and selfless is what makes this team so great!

[@jessicatennis5318]

@@jameslaclair4585 I truly believe that Amari loves the fact that he's in a place where he is cared about and completely welcomed.

[@matthewrosebrock5135]

What's up Joe? Love your content brother!

[@LockedOnBills]

Thank you!

[@christ6927]

Mack Hollins return reminded me of when Mica too that one to the house a while back.

[@JohnNewton-q3s]

John from Cambodia, great show, great game. #GoBills #BillsMafiaWorldwide

[@JohnNewton-q3s]

Yep, game wasn't flexed, JA17 was flexed, absolutely agreed.

[@quinnjackson9252]

@@JohnNewton-q3s Either that, or the NFL thinks the Patriots are capable of scoring 40+ points🤣

[@quinnjackson9252]

I am glad that the footage shows what I sort of felt watching the game, that the Bills end of game strategy was mostly responsible for the game looking closer on paper than it was schematically. The Bills could have played to keep on beating the Lions, but instead they played to waste time a and win the game. The worst part of this game for me was injuries. Other teams are getting healthy while the Bills are still banged up. A hard game against a hard team that was so exhausting concerns me, although we are lucky that our last three teams shouldn't give us trouble. Let's just take care of them and go home. The best part of this game for me is that I still don't think that the Bills have played to their full potential, not quite, but are clearly peaking at the right time. I saw an article that they are peaking at the wrong time, but how is on the brink of playoffs the wrong time to peak? Peaking in week three like the Bills did in 2022, yeah. Peaking in week 12, maybe. But this seems, preparation wise, to be the perfect time to get this team just right, spending the next couple of weeks tweaking and sharpening. I obviously hope that the defense can be perfectly healthy going into the playoffs, since it will certainly take a team at full strength to win the Super Bowl, but I have some hope that Matt Milano can get back into solid shape. I think that it will take 8-10 games for a solid vet like him to get into true form, and this was game three. Three more regular season games to go, let's hope he can get into shape against some squishier teams to really take the rust off, and be a good weapon in the playoffs. From here on out, no stupid mistakes and no injuries and we will be the readiest for the playoffs that we have been since 2021-22!

[@peterwilson4865]

I'm honestly just grateful that they came out of the game without any long term injuries. That turf monster is real in Detroit. They are still on track to be unprecedentedly healthy going into the playoffs though.

[@rcud1]

I love the 2 back lineup and using 3 quality running backs as receivers, its almost unstoppable.

[@JakeajB]

I’m an everydayer and I know who I am!

[@LockerMart]

Excellent report Joe.

[@sarahchristine2345]

I think McD might’ve been more involved in play calling this game tbh, jmo, but some of those exotic pressures, coverages, and blitzes had ‘22 McD DC written ALLLLL over them lol

[@quinnjackson9252]

I think that you are absolutely correct, this comment should be number one!!! I saw him on several occasions holding the play sheet. I have been thinking all season long that even in games where the Bills win, the defensive play calling has looked weird in a very bad way in some situations. McDermott hasn't had a play sheet all season, but I think he might've been calling at least some plays this game. Maybe he was just confirming/cleaining up Babich's calls, but I think that he did exactly what you say he did. I really hope McDermott personally calls plays during the playoffs. Not over the next few games, in hopes that playoff teams don't pick up on it, but he should be the guy during playoffs. Nothing personal against Babich, McDermott is just a much more experienced and masterful defensive mind.

[@Vipaworld_Vito]

Bills have many ways to win offensively … there is still room for more … last week was the RB Screen … Need to add … a power run with a Fullback lead … when they had 1st and goal and came away with nothing … great opp. To showcase power …. And add designed QB and RB draw ….

[@justinbell5421]

Why....do........you...............type...........like..............this......

[@jameslaclair4585]

Some beautiful misdirection also

[@loopsinger5024]

I want to see Amari cooper get a ring with the bills

[@ronwest217]

The fans who are saying "Do not extend Rousseau" are really pissing up a rope.

[@christ6927]

Bro, Ray Davis got hands.

[@ringoflynt]

Hopefully Josh shoulder is ok and the DEF starts to peak in these last few games 🦬❤️💙🤍 these 3 RBs are grinding it out, hopefully we saving some things for the playoffs

[@quinnjackson9252]

4 RB's... don't forget big daddy Josh Allen, aka the running back who likes to throw the ball!

[@Ray-dl5mp]

The only thing I didn’t like about your Amari Cooper point is don’t forget star receivers open up things for other players. Just because it didn’t look like they tried or cared to use him, doesn’t mean the defense isn’t accounting for him. Sometimes you’re a decoy or just opening up space for others. That’s another great thing that great receivers give an offense.

[@PJ_UnderScore]

I want that hat!

[@ravenclaw9122]

Its awesome isnt it.

[@vailsburghighlife]

If they play three linebackers no one can beat them !!!

[@kynismo88]

Lets Go Joe!!!

[@Stockhandle123]

I would like to see Bishop and Elam being the starters the rest of the way this year.

[@peterwilson4865]

Bishop is a bit of a stretch with only 1 effective game under his belt, but I'm with you on Elam. He needs to at least be active on game days to give the option of platooning him with Douglas and also if Douglas is playing poorly like he was in the Rams game.

[@Stockhandle123]

@ when we want to play man coverage elam gives us that. I just love bishop's athleticism and Hamlin has been good but his lack of athleticism puts a cap on him.

[@peterwilson4865]

@@Stockhandle123 agreed on those aspects. At least we now have proof of concept of Bishop showing some starter traits to have confidence in him being the starter next year.

[@ronaldmiddleton808]

Milano still can’t use his arm whatsoever. He whiffed completely on 3 tackles! You couldn’t miss how bad he missed them. I think most folks don’t understand how the body works. I had very low expectations on Matt coming back. Next year he should be better…

[@lancem.skidmore8530]

We will take a Super Bowl win instead of the mvp, but it’s still nice to have.

[@Stockhandle123]

We don't have to choose it's not one or the other.

[@familyspeak5877]

Hi Joe, I take issue with your decoration of the bottom of your Christmas tree, please plug in the lights....lol

[@regulardadhere8832]

Don’t care about MVP. Go get a Lombardi trophy!!!!

[@jessicatennis5318]

Joe, they moved the game, so everyone attending the game can enjoy 3 extra hours of tailgating!!!!

[@LockedOnBills]

There ya go!

[@jessicatennis5318]

@@LockedOnBills They are going need all that alcohol in their systems for the game. It will be in the teens with a chance of snow as of right now. 🥶😰🥶

[@bubrub23]

🐐🐐

[@VaderPopsVicodin10]

Dude, I want your hat!😆

[@Vipaworld_Vito]

At least Williams should be alternating with Milano until you see what Milano shows …

[@kpwillson]

The defense stopping the Lions in the first quarter is not getting enough credit. the lions have been a juggernaut in the first quarter. Babich & co had it dialed ip against one of the best olaycallers right now

[@allkief]

Was Amari Cooper open at all during the game or was he covered? That's the question we're looking for the answer to from an all-22 review

[@philipschifano5876]

I wish that shirt just said. Happy victory Monday. ( drop the “to you”)

[@Vipaworld_Vito]

Allen missed a few wide open reads …. As u mentioned Joe , a lot of his production came from creativity ….…. If he can mature and master that read aspect …. Oh my goodness …..there’s no ceiling …..

[@CoachBombay91]

Josh will master the read aspect and you will master the punctuations.

[@Coops7777]

What do you mean by stunting or not stunting the defensive line ?

[@ronwest217]

Activate Grable!

[@nealanthony3482]

The Bills might want to at least attempt to keep Amari Cooper happy so that he would like to return to the Bills. Assuming of course that he would prefer more targets. For all we know, at this stage of his career, he might just be more interested in winning games than personal accolades.

[@carltondavis4751]

Where can I buy that hat?

[@WNY_R]

Wegmans

[@LeeB-p1h]

dud - Tyler Bass. missed the shortest FG of the year

[@christ6927]

Super Bowl mvp is the one that counts.

[@coopmuzzy75]

I am concerned about the defense because this is 2 weeks in a row. Add in the ravens game and I see a problem.

[@peterwilson4865]

Refs are the only reason that game wasn't a 3 score victory. Defense played well against Detroit despite missing 3 members of the secondary and also losing 2 LBs during the game.

[@lesmoore3638]

But was Cooper getting open?

[@peterwilson4865]

Who cares? He's been great when called upon. Maybe saving his specialty shit for playoffs. He clearly has rapport with Allen. I say a 3 year reasonable extension would be worth it if he's healthy at the end of the year.

[@lesmoore3638]

I care! I want to know if he drew their #1CB or double coverage. Would Allen COMPLETELY ignore him if he was getting open. Hearing that he only took 46% of the offensive snap gives me some info. Was he used to clear out routes for the running backs and others? You can bet Beane wants to know before he gives him a 3 year reasonable contract! I personally wouldn't give someone his age 3 years unless there was a out in year three. I can't see him getting the $15+m he might demand?* We aren't in cap space hell but we are in purgatory. *He might prove himself indispensable, in which case I would change my mind.

[@quinnjackson9252]

@@lesmoore3638 I think that Cooper is indispensable. He is like Gandalf the White from Lord of the RIngs- still has all of the bad assery skills that Diggs had, but a wiser, reborn version with a more selfless personality. Him playing 100% of the snaps and getting zero targets would make it more obvious that he was this week's decoy, but only 46% is juuuust infrequently enough for teams to get a bit fidjety when he steps on the field. The other thing to note is that Allen didn't need to target him, since everyone else was open. Allen didn't throw many catches where his targets were smothered. If everyone was locked up, he could've shifted to trying to get the ball to his best weapons in Cooper and Shakir, but Ty Johnson found himself wide open instead. Personally, I am very torn. He is an elite player who isn't getting much milage, but has great chemistry with Allen and fits so well with this team. If we are able to get him for a good deal, resign him. If not, we'd better be willing to trade up for a receiver in the first round. I am extremely concerned about losing Joe Brady, as I can picture a ton of teams willing to offer him a head coaching job, and without him, we will need every weapon we can get to keep the offense humming. Either way, not knowing who is going to step up in each game is part of what makes this team so much fun to watch, and I can't wait to see what else they do!!

[@lesmoore3638]

I think he was a great pick up. Especially, considering our cap situation. Like I said, 46% of snaps was the type of info I'm looking for. You make good points/assumptions about what happened on the field regarding Cooper. I would like an analysis of his 46%?? Completely unreasonable??? Yes, but I'd like it. Next year$$$.I'd like him on the team. Time will tell. Even with Diggs off the book we are always flirting with cap space hell. Extensions, Allen's cap hit jumps. Coleman and Kincad's rapid development would be nice.

[@Vipaworld_Vito]

Rarity: While not impossible, it is extremely uncommon for a team to score 40 points without benefiting from a turnover in a single game. According to available data, there have been a very small number of NFL games where a team scored 40 or more points without gaining any points off a turnover, considered a rare occurrence

[@nonenone1534]

Allen is unstoppable indoors! Put a roof on the new stadium ASAP!

[@justinbell5421]

I don't understand why you don't have a open/close dome i get the weather and stuff but come on allen inside is unbelievable

[@DeepThinker-gc8nz]

Allen’s retire Buffalo football is forever

[@ThuDude1]

Dark horse cut candidate for Grable: Baylon Spector. It's all bad tape these days. I fear injuries have robbed him of the athleticism he entered the league with. I also think Phillips has committed to straining against the run at this juncture in his career and he is the only big body on the DLine.

[@peterwilson4865]

It's not nearly that bad and he knows the defense. If he's in that divisional game in place of Klein, they probably win because of that difference as crazy as that is to say. Don't extend him or anything, but 0 reason to cut him.

[@ThuDude1]

@peterwilson4865 That's an unverifiable theory and he has had at least 2 additional injuries since the divisional game. How useful is knowing the defense if you are physically incapable of leveraging what you know? We no longer need to entertain the "idea" of Spector anymore; he has been conspicuously subpar when called upon this season.

[@peterwilson4865]

@@ThuDude1 he really hasn't though. That's just your opinion. He was in for 1 game when Bernard was out and so was Oliver and Rapp against Baltimore. He had like 10+ tackles in that game and the defense overall, including gamelan, was putrid. He's not a guy to invest future resources to, but he's a WAY better than average backup MLB and probably average at worst with extended healthy run in a starting role. He's not getting cut while he's on his rookie deal when there are far less useful options to cut than him, like Jordan Phillips for instance.

[@ThuDude1]

@@peterwilson4865 This has to be Spector's family member, agent, or side piece. 🤣 Average?? You gotta watch more ball man. There's two games on right now brudda.

[@jcZo23]

He's a special teamer & a 3rd/4th string LB, he's plenty good enough for that

[@Vipaworld_Vito]

Added RB screens last week …now need Allen and RB legitimate designed draws….

[@BillsMafiaExperience]

Josh Allen = 2024 MVP or the award is meaningless.

[@koalabearkhan145]

I TOLD YOU FULLBACKS MATTER

[@Dj-fp6kp]

It took you long enough

[@ronwest217]

I noticed that Milano did not miss a tackle after he left the game with an injury!

[@PsykoSockPuppet0510]

FIRST

[@PsykoSockPuppet0510]

Was literally just thinking "What time does Joe usually drop the All-22?" 13 seconds ago, I guess.

[@jcZo23]

Hopefully they aren't peaking too soon offensively & no chance Mahomo plays Saturday, possibly not even Wednesday so no pulling any Bills'y bull 💩 against these bum teams they're about to play, cant look past these games, gotta have em & 🤞🏼 that all that Mahomo Dark Magic is done & Buff takes the 1 seed... them losing 2 of 3 is probably not gonna happen but 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@michaelpastorella7208]

Baylon Spector had one of the worst linebacker performances I have seen in a very long time

[@donneviau2140]

The D has given up almost 100 points over the last 2 games. Shouldn't that be a bigger concern? If they haven't jumped out to a 14-0 start , this is a different podcast.

[@peterwilson4865]

So you're faulting the defense for getting 2 stops on the first 2 drives that kept Buffalo in control of the entire game from then on out? They were missing 3 starters in the secondary and lost Milano and Dorian mid game against the best offense in the league on the road. The refs were the only reason it wasn't a 3 score victory. They played well in this game.

[@MattWilliams-w3n]

Honestly, get rid of Milano. He is such bad luck and not playing well. Go review the 13 seconds game - he is TERRIBLE in that and gave up both the travis kelce game tying field goal reception, and OT winning touchdown. I would literally rather have andressen in there. I have more faith in the new guys than the old dogs

[@peterwilson4865]

Starting Buffalo Joe over Milano would be a supremely terrible choice. Milano is not going anywhere for another 2 years. Singling him out for a game 2 years ago in which the entire defense stank it up is silly too. Poyer and Hyde were also both terrible in that game. When he's healthy he's an all pro. Getting burnt by peak Travis Kelce isn't exactly a knock on his overall track record considering no LB ever matches up on him and comes out on top with any regularity. I'd rather have Dorian playing currently, but Milano is obviously still getting up to speed after back to back major injuries. This is to be expected.

[@jeremygiglia4824]

Dude I thought the same thing about the stunts lol

[@72HemiCharger]

SMCD. GOT TO FIX THE DEFENSE QUICKLY.