Coming into the season, it was believed the offense of the Buffalo Bills would be propelled by some new blood they acquired in free agency and via trade. Through five weeks of the season, new Bills are powering the offense but it hasn’t exactly been the ones many had thought coming into the season.
Tyrod Taylor
- 96/137 for 1,097 yards passing
- 9 touchdown passes, 4 interceptions
- 187 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns
- 4th most rushing yards by a QB this season
- Has a QB rating of 131.8 in the 4th quarter
- 9 of 21 on throws traveling 20+ yards through the air.
- 21 of 29 on play action throws for 247 yards
The biggest new acquisition impact so far this season has been quarterback Tyrod Taylor. With the Bills bringing in Matt Cassel in the offseason as well, it was not known how much of an impact Taylor would have, but as training camp and the preseason moved along, it became evident Taylor would be the best option this year for the Bills at quarterback.
Not only has Taylor made an impact through the air, but he has also impressed with his legs as well. The rushing numbers for Taylor check in at just under 200 yards so far this season, but his ability to use his legs to avoid pressure and keep plays alive has been immeasurable.
Even though his stats against Tennessee weren’t great, Taylor was able to help engineering a comeback victory on the road. Too bad the victory came at a price for Taylor and the Bills, as it has been learned Taylor will probably miss a few weeks due to the sprained MCL he suffered on a horse-collar tackle during the game-winning drive.
LeSean McCoy
- 43 rushes for 146 yards
- 7 catches for 83 yards
- 1 touchdown reception
After trading for him in the offseason, LeSean McCoy was supposed to be a key part of the offense this year, but so far he hasn’t quite lived up to those lofty expectations. The ineffectiveness of McCoy can be blamed on a nagging hamstring injury, which have caused him to miss the last two games.
Even with dealing with his hamstring injury, McCoy was able to record his first touchdown with the Bills on a 10-yard reception in the blowout win at Miami. It looked as if the Bills could have allowed McCoy to sit a little longer to try and rest his injury, but with the loss of rookie running back Karlos Williams to a concussion, as well as numerous other injuries on the offense, McCoy might be forced to return to the lineup a little earlier than first thought.
Percy Harvin
- 19 receptions on 30 targets
- 218 yards receiving
- 1 touchdown reception
- 91 YAC
- Caught 1 out of 5 passes that traveled 20+ yards through the air.
- 15 of his 19 catches came from 1-10 yards pass the line of scrimmage.
Rex Ryan was able to get a little experience coaching Percy Harvin last year after the Jets traded for Harvin early in the year. After a disappointing season, Harvin followed Ryan to Buffalo, and both are enjoying a lot more early success in their new home.
In eight games with the Jets last year, Harvin had 29 receptions. In five games with Buffalo this season, Harvin already has 19 catches, but his production has dipped while Sammy Watkins has been injured. Harvin only caught three passes in the loss to the Giants, and was shutout against Tennessee. The big question about Harvin as the year goes on is his durability, since only once in his previous six season in the NFL has he played all 16 games.
Charles Clay
- 22 receptions on 33 targets
- 262 yards receiving
- 2 touchdown receptions
- First Bills TE since the 60s to get 80+ yards receiving in two straight games
- Only WR to have over 100 yards receiving this year.
- His 89YAC are the 9th most among tight ends.
- His 7 forced missed tackles are the 2nd most in the league among TEs.
While LeSean McCoy was the biggest name acquired by the Bills via trade, Charles Clay was the most expensive player the Bills splashed the cash for in free agency. Clay has lived up to his hefty contract so far, hauling in 22 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns.
Clay’s biggest game so far this year for the Bills came against the Giants, when he caught nine passes for 111 yards. Many were thinking Clay could be in for another big game last week against Tennessee, especially with Sammy Watkins being ruled out, but the tight end suffered his own calf injury, which leaves his status for this week against Cincinnati in question.
Even if he isn’t able to play this week, Clay is still a considerable upgrade over Scott Chandler and Lee Smith from last year. Once the Bills are able to get pieces like McCoy, Karlos Williams, and Watkins back, he should be able to excel in an offense where he teams might overlook his abilities.
Richie Incognito
- Rated as the 3rd best guard by PFF
- Has given up just 2 QB hits and 2 QB hurries.
The biggest surprise in the offseason in terms of acquisitions for the Bills might have been when they brought back guard Richie Incognito. After spending last year out of football due to the bullying scandal down in Miami, Incognito looks to be making up for lost time.
Even though Tyrod Taylor might be having the biggest impact statistically of all the offseason acquisitions for the Bills so far this season, it could be argued Richie Incognito is having the biggest impact. Incognito has been one of the best guards so far in the NFL this season, and is a big reason why Taylor has been able to stay pretty clean and have so much success through five games. Buffalo will need Incognito’s inspired play and veteran leadership to continue, especially as they continue to deal with numerous injuries on offense.
Some stats from ESPN.com and PFF.com
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
