Is this finally the season? If you’re a Buffalo Bills fan, you have one of two reactions to that question – you’re either cringing at the thought of jinxing the post-seasons just by talking about it, or you’re jumping off the roof of a van onto a folding table with the confidence of someone who has survived eight feet of snow and lived to tell the tale. No one said being a Bills fan was easy, but the team has some seriously compelling storylines to look forward to this year.
As usual, the fans’ expectations are high, and Buffalo is buzzing with excitement as the city builds a new stadium for the beloved football team in the background. On the field, the hope is that some tweaks in offensive and defensive coaching strategies coupled with a slightly reshuffled lineup are the magic formula that has long eluded the city.
Jeffrey Rusert of Jefferson County reviews what fans can expect (and hope for) in the 2023-2024 season.
Offensive and Defensive Improvements to Watch For
The team is poised to fortify their interior offensive line with the acquisition of Dalton Kincaid, much to the delight of Bills fans who look forward to Josh Allen having another target and being able to build a formidable tight end pair with Dawson Knox. Allen has a lot hanging over him, so only time will tell if his patience and accuracy can survive through the depths of winter.
Bringing in Poona Ford to work alongside DaQuan Jones should be enough to give fans some defensive excitement as the defensive backfield gets a boost with the return of Jordan Poyer and the addition of Taylor Rapp. A potentially healthy Von Miller returning for a full season would be the icing on the cake, helping to heal the loss of Tremaine Edmunds, Case Keenum, and Devin Singletary.
Meeting the AFC Challenges
Despite 13 regular-season victories in 2022, fans are going to need to see at least one playoff win this year to maintain momentum. After a harrowing end to last season with a wrenching, postponed loss against the Bengals and the trauma of the Damar Hamlin incident, Buffalo should be more determined than ever to push through their AFC contenders for their loyal fan base.
Things are going to get off to an interesting start as the Bills face the newest quarterback in the division – Aaron Rodgers – in the season opener at the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. They’ll also be making road trips to meet their opponents from the last three playoff losses – the Chiefs and Bengals. It’s not ideal for tailgaters, but it’s bound to keep the local sports bars in business.
Fans are going to see a lot of prime-time action between Weeks 6 and Week 10 this year as they get four-night games in five weeks, including a rematch in Cincinnati.
Summary
The upcoming season will definitely have Bills fans biting their nails, but the good news is that they’re a fan base that cares through and through. After all, there’s no such thing as a fair-weather fan in Buffalo! Seeing Damar Hamlin – who is miraculously back at practice only months after an on-field cardiac arrest – take the field will no doubt be an emotional and motivating start to the season. And, of course, everyone is eager to see if Josh Allen on the cover of Madden ’24 is truly a “curse.”
