The Bills’ first loss of the season reveals some of their deficiencies that an undefeated start has masked

BALTIMORE (AP) — Josh Allen searched around, looking for someone — anyone — who might be open. Once it was a big win, but more often than not it ended with the Buffalo quarterback on the ground.

Many of the Bills’ shortcomings, masked by an undefeated start, began to surface in 2011 a 35:10 defeat with the Baltimore Ravens. The lack of playmakers and depth, as well as mounting injuries, particularly on defense, took their toll on a team that looked like one of the NFL’s best through the first three weeks of the season.

“I think the guys that make up this locker room understand who we are, what we are,” said Allen, fumbling with one of the three sacks he took. “We will not allow this avalanche. The people we have in this building are smart. The boys have played a lot of football in their careers and therefore know the ups and downs of an NFL season. That will happen from time to time.”

It’s the first time since 2021 that the Bills have lost a game by more than six points. And that was a big departure from the 112-48 score by which they had outscored their first three opponents.

Coach Sean McDermott said he wished the hour-long plane ride was five times longer to analyze everything his team needs to work on after suffering a breakdown on the road.

“It just wasn’t up to our standard,” McDermott said. “I’m saying we need to do things fundamentally better – in terms of execution. It’s not just a position. We as a team basically have to do a better job physically. We need to find tonight’s issues and make adjustments.”

Buffalo’s defense was overwhelmed by Derrick Henry, who ran for 199 yards an 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens’ first play from scrimmage. Linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Taron Johnson were already out with injuries, and safety Taylor Rapp was knocked out of the game in the first half because of a concussion while trying to tackle Henry.

The Bills fell behind early and Allen — who was dealing with an injury to his left, non-throwing hand — couldn’t muster enough magic to stay competitive. He completed 16 of 29 carries for 180 yards and also ran five times for 21 yards.

“I thought Josh was going to move away from the spot pretty badly,” McDermott said. “I’ve made some great plays with it, but then again, it’s just not the healthiest way to live there. We will make the necessary adjustments.”

Allen’s series of throws to Khalil Shakir for a completion reached 30 before ending with a pass breakup late in the first half. He found Shakir on a 52-yard throw and catch that set up Ty Johnson’s touchdown run in the third quarter.

Mitch Trubisky replaced Allen, who had become the favorite to win the league MVP after a 3-0 start, at quarterback for the final few drives. Allen wasn’t discouraged afterward and found a way to turn the great loss into a learning opportunity.

“It wasn’t all bad in this game,” he said. “I don’t want us to come away thinking we’re the worst. There is a lot to learn. I’m glad this happened at the start of the season so we can put things right.”

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl