Kincaid and Coleman play a significant role.
I’m beginning to think we are underestimating just how much Joe Brady, Josh Allen and this offense think about Coleman and Kincaid. Truly, if they both are able to take another step this year and become top-tier targets at both WR and TE, the sky is the limit for this team. And it’s possible! It’s not out of the realm of possibility that both are considered stars by the end of the year.
And that kind of impact (900-1,000-yard seasons) would trickle down and make life easier for Palmer/Knox/Shakir. Bills fans are nervous about relying on potential because the unknown unnerves them. The unknown excites me. And these are two extremely talented players who struggled with injury last year. And they get to play with Josh Allen. Both Kincaid and Coleman will surprise the masses this year, starting tonight with heavy usage against the Baltimore Ravens.
Joey Bosa is a force multiplier.
Joey Bosa is the most important addition to the Bills this year, and his play could define the trajectory of this defense. Three years ago, Brandon Beane brought in Von Miller to be a game wrecker and a closer. Injuries and off-field issues plagued Miller’s time in Buffalo, and he left the team as a shell of the player he used to be, leading to his being cut last offseason. Joey Bosa represents another swing for the fences.
He may not be as monetarily invested, but his role and responsibility are as important as any player on this team, not named Josh Allen. If he commands a double team, eats up blockers in both the run and pass game and creates havoc for Lamar Jackson when he wants to get out and run? Ed Oliver’s life is easier. Greg Rousseau’s life is easier. Matt Milano and Terrell Bernard’s lives get easier. Even Cole Bishop’s life would get easier. If Bosa plays up to the superstar level we know he can reach, the Bills’ defense will take a huge step forward.
Dictate the pace.
Do not let Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense dictate the flow of this game. Last year, the Bills’ offense became its most efficient because they were able to control the line of scrimmage, which in turn helped their run game (along with James Cook taking a leap). The Ravens are an explosive offense.
While I believe the Bills have the potential to be more explosive this year, I wouldn’t say this is the game to test that theory. Own the clock. Own the line of scrimmage. Control the game with James Cook and pick your spots to make a big play. Defensively, contain Lama, especially from scrambling. Don’t let Henry get off big chunks runs and be ready for the play-action shots to Flowers and Andrews.
The line of scrimmage will control the pace, and the Bills remained an elite team last year because they dominated the trenches more often than not on the offensive side. They need to replicate that, and the defense needs to match the energy for a Bills win and, ultimately, a chance at the Super Bowl this year.
Prediction
Bills 24, Ravens 23