1 reason why Bills shouldn’t panic after a loss to Ravens

The Week 4 game was a streak breaker for the Buffalo Bills, who just suffered their first loss of the season. The Bills were unable to contain the Baltimore Ravens’ run attack and were on the receiving end of a blowout as the final score read 35-10.

Derrick Henry ran for an 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens’ first offensive snap; It was a sign that things weren’t going to go well for the Bills all night long. During the second quarter, Henry found the end zone again as Lamar Jackson connected with Justice Hill for the Ravens’ third touchdown before halftime.

The Bills found the end zone just once, thanks to running back Ty Johnson. Johnson capped a four-play, 60-yard drive that included a 52-yard throw from Josh Allen to Khalil Shakir. Buffalo would then continue to take damage as the Ravens scored two more touchdowns throughout the second half.

In other words: it was an evening to forget for Sean McDermott’s team. While the defensive unit has shown promise in recent weeks, their short-staffed status was exposed on Sunday. The Bills allowed a total of 427 opponent yards, 271 of which were on the ground. Whether it was Henry’s carry or the connection between Jackson and Hill, Baltimore continually found a way to move the football forward.

On offense, there were a few instances where it looked like Buffalo would find momentum for a comeback. However, most of the game was difficult to watch for the Bills Mafia. The team went 3-for-13 on third-down conversions. Josh Allen’s pass catchers struggled to create separation with the Ravens’ secondary. The Bills’ O-line also struggled, causing Allen — who was sacked three times — to panic and despair several times. Oh, and there was that botched trick play that resulted in a fumble.

Is it time to press the panic button yet? Fortunately for Bills fans, the answer is no. Sunday’s game may have been brutal, but there’s a reason the team was able to get back on track.

Terrel Bernard and Taron Johnson are nearing full recovery

While it’s easy to point fingers at the defense, fans should remember that they are very depleted right now. Entering the Week 4 matchup, the Bills were without three key starters: Terrel Bernard (LB), Taron Johnson (CB), and Matt Milano (LB). Milano had to undergo surgery in August after suffering a torn biceps during training. He has been ruled out indefinitely and there is no exact date for a return yet.

However, Bernard (chest strain) and Johnson (forearm fracture) could already be in action this weekend. Both had limited attendance during the team’s Thursday practice, which is progress considering Bernard was the only one of the two to practice last week. Of course, this doesn’t guarantee they’ll get the green light for the upcoming game, but there is a glimmer of hope in the form of McDermott not sidelining them just yet. In recent weeks, the head coach had ruled them out during his early-week availability sessions with the media, according to Sports Illustrated’s Kyle Silagyi.

Last season was Bernard’s breakthrough year; The linebacker recorded 143 combined tackles (84 solo), nine QB hits, 6.5 sacks, five passes defended and three interceptions in 17 regular season games. Johnson was similarly stellar, earning his first All-Pro recognition after a 98-tackle campaign that also saw him add eight passes defended and three forced fumbles. This season, Bernard hurt himself during Week 2, while Johnson ended his ordeal seven times in the Bills’ season opener.

Having both elite players back is essential considering how their starting replacements, Baylon Spector and Cam Lewis, struggled mightily against Baltimore.

However, week 5 will still be a challenge

The Bills’ upcoming game against the Houston Texans will certainly be fireworks. Josh Allen vs. CJ Stroud. Steffon Diggs’ first game against his former team. It promises to be a slugfest between two teams leading their respective AFC divisions.

However, Buffalo enters Week 5 with additional injuries. Receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) have yet to practice after hurting themselves against the Ravens, based on the team’s official injury report. Shakir is tasked with being the Bills’ top pass catcher this year, so his plausible absence on Sunday is more than concerning. That leaves Keon Coleman – a rookie – as the WR1, if ever. As for Rapp, the secondary is already depleted and losing a player of his caliber hurts even more. Mike Edwards may want to prepare himself as there is a good chance he gets the starting call.

Even in the scenario where Bernard and Johnson are allowed to play, the “next man up” motto could remain a rallying cry for the Bills this weekend.