Buffalo Bills seek redemption as Josh Allen prepares to exploit Steelers’ vulnerable defense
The anticipation surrounding the matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers has significantly diminished since the season began. Just six weeks ago, fans of Bills Mafia were eagerly looking forward to this game, viewing it as a potential precursor to the AFC Championship. The Bills, boasting a promising 4-0 record, were set to face the Steelers, who stood at 4-1. However, as both teams prepare for Sunday’s clash at Acrisure Stadium, the narrative has shifted to one of struggle. Now, they find themselves in a critical fight for a Wild Card spot.
Buffalo’s Offensive Struggles
The Bills have stumbled in their last seven games, managing only a 3-4 record. They have fallen significantly behind the AFC East-leading New England Patriots, which has raised concerns within the organization about their offensive performance. This Sunday, however, they may find the perfect remedy for their struggles against a Steelers’ defense that has been anything but formidable.
While the recent addition of a speedy receiver could provide a boost, the Bills should find it relatively easy to advance the ball and score points against a defense that has shown significant weaknesses.
A Defense in Decline
Gone are the days of Pittsburgh’s legendary “Steel Curtain.” The current iteration of the Steelers boasts one of the worst defenses in the league. Over the past month, under head coach Mike Tomlin, the unit has allowed alarming point totals: 33 to the Bengals, 35 to the Packers, and 31 to the Bears just last week.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky views this matchup as a prime opportunity for Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense to rebound after a disappointing outing against the Houston Texans. He pointed out the struggles of the Steelers’ secondary, noting, “There are multiple times per game that I write down in my notes, ‘I don’t know what this team is doing.’ It’s like four guys are doing one thing on the back end and two doing another.”
A Favorable Matchup
Buffalo will welcome the dip in competition. The Texans feature the league’s top-ranked defense, while the Steelers sit at a dismal 28th. Even more concerning for Pittsburgh is their ranking of 31st against the pass, yielding an average of 258 yards per game—only the Bengals rank lower.
Despite having talented pass-rushers like Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ secondary has struggled, particularly with former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey now transitioning to safety. This unit allows 24 points per game, has a 43% third-down conversion rate against them, and has given up a staggering 1,500 yards after the catch this season, the third-highest total in the NFL.
Orlovsky believes the Bills have every reason to expect a high-scoring performance, stating, “There are gashes and vacated zones in their secondary… If you can force this secondary to communicate and pass things off to one another, you can rip them apart. Three-level concepts can rip them. Motion and then run, you can rip them.”
Looking Ahead
As the Bills gear up for this pivotal matchup, they must capitalize on the weaknesses of a struggling Steelers team. The stakes are high, and the opportunity for redemption looms large as they aim to get back on track in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
