Following the Buffalo Bills’ recent performance, their “Everybody Eats” mantra is under scrutiny due to the underwhelming output from their wide receiver group. Head Coach Sean McDermott’s decision to bench rookie Keon Coleman for the first series against the New England Patriots highlights ongoing issues within the team. The Bills lost that game 23-20, marking their first defeat of the season.
Wider Receiver Performance Concerns
Five weeks into the season, several wide receivers have struggled to make significant impacts. Notably, 2025 free agent Joshua Palmer has not met expectations, mirroring the disappointing performances of fellow 2024 free agent Curtis Samuel. Both players have underperformed, leading to growing concerns about their contributions.
Contract Disappointments
- Curtis Samuel: Three-year deal, $15 million guaranteed; 34 catches, 288 yards, 2 TDs since joining.
- Joshua Palmer: Three-year deal, $18 million guaranteed; 12 catches, 174 yards, no TDs this season.
Palmer struggled specifically against the Patriots, only managing two receptions for a total of 36 yards. This performance continued a troubling trend, with no touchdowns scored thus far. Following the game, quarterback Josh Allen expressed confidence that Palmer’s contributions will improve as the season progresses.
Offensive Strategy and Defense Challenges
Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady acknowledged the need for improvement among the receivers. He emphasized the importance of becoming a more threatening group to aid the offense. The Bills must address these issues since defenses are increasingly focusing on shutting down their running game led by James Cook.
Examining the Receiver Group
During the Patriots game, the collective performance of the Bills’ receivers fell short. The five active receivers combined for 130 yards, significantly less than New England’s Stefon Diggs, who alone recorded 146 yards. This lack of separation and speed poses a major issue for Buffalo’s offensive strategy.
Additionally, the Bills’ overall receiving corps lacks the ability to consistently win one-on-one matchups, a claim supported by Head Coach McDermott. The quality of opposing defensive players, like the Patriots’ talented corners, has made it clear that the Bills need to reevaluate both their offensive schemes and route-running tactics.
Moving Forward
The ongoing underperformance of the wide receivers has placed the Bills in a challenging position. Improvement is crucial for implementing their “Everybody Eats” mantra effectively. As the team prepares for future games, enhancing receiver skills and performance will be essential for their success on the field.
