Joe Brady needs to fix these 3 offensive issues after disastrous first practice game

Preseason game or not, the Buffalo Bills had a performance that fans will want to forget as soon as possible. After wrapping up training camp last week, it was game time for the Bills as they took on the Chicago Bears. The excitement that was building up for the Bills Mafia turned out to be a huge disappointment. Not only did the Bills fail to reach the endzone, but they also seemed completely lost on offense.

The Bears led 6-3 at halftime, and the Bills still had a chance to get their act together. However, things only got worse on offense. Buffalo went three-and-out very quickly on their first drive. On their second drive, they drove down the field for an 18-play drive that ended in a field goal. Tyler Bass would eventually get the Bills on the board twice in the second and third quarters.

Overall, the Bills offense was a complete mess, allowing 200 total yards. While Buffalo looks to clean up the mess that was created, offensive coordinator Joe Brady will still have his work cut out for him before next week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With that, we take a look at what Buffalo’s offense needs to fix immediately for the remainder of the preseason.

No matter how great a play can develop for a pass, it doesn’t matter if the protection up front isn’t solid. The offensive line gave up eight sacks on the day to the Bears. Mitch Trubisky was sacked twice for six yards and Shane Buechele was sacked six times for 28 yards. The lack of pass protection stops a play before it even starts. To put it in perspective, running backs Ray Davis and Frank Gore Jr. were the most targeted weapons in the passing game (each with four targets). Part of the problem with the true receivers not getting targets was because of the pass rush.

Chicago has a decent defensive line and it showed today. Now Brady has to prepare for the Steelers defensive line, which is much better against the pass.

It’s pretty sad when the third string quarterback was the Bills rushing leader. Buechele rushed for 22 yards on three carries. Overall, the Bills rushed the ball 26 times (four carries by Buechele and Josh Allen). Gore Jr. led the way in carries (7) and had 21 rushing yards. When you compare the passing stats to the rushing stats, the Bills decided to make the pass their primary direction and it just didn’t work. If the pass attack can’t get going, the run game becomes useless.

Brady needs to prioritize the run game from now on to see what he has to offer when the regular season begins.

There is never a time when a team is not facing a third down situation. Whether it is 3rd-and-5 or 3rd-and-15, every team has to do what they can to move the chains and keep the ball from getting thrown away. The Bills offense was unreliable on third down against the Bears, going 6-17 and converting just 35% on third downs.

Reserves or not, the Bills were terrible on third down. The Bills will need to improve their efficiency at key moments so they can keep the ball in their hands.