The Buffalo Bills’ decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has hit quarterback Josh Allen on a personal level. Allen and Dorsey have worked closely together since 2019, with Dorsey initially serving as the team’s quarterbacks coach. After the Bills’ playoff defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2022, Allen successfully campaigned for Dorsey to take on the role of offensive coordinator. However, following the team’s Monday night loss to the Denver Broncos, resulting in a 5-5 record, head coach Sean McDermott made the difficult decision to fire Dorsey. This decision has left Allen feeling responsible for not performing at his best and preventing this outcome.
As the team’s starting quarterback, Allen takes the blame for the Bills’ underperformance and directly associates it with Dorsey’s dismissal. In Allen’s eyes, had the offense played better, Dorsey would still be with the team. The realization that he could have done more to help Dorsey is especially painful for Allen. He expressed his personal connection with Dorsey, stating that it hurts to see someone he cares about go through such a situation. Allen acknowledges that an unfortunate series of events led to this outcome, but he urges his teammates not to dwell on it as they have a crucial game against the New York Jets approaching in Week 11.
The Bills’ loss to the Broncos could have been a win if not for a crucial penalty that negated a missed field goal. This allowed Denver another attempt, resulting in their victory. However, McDermott’s decision to fire Dorsey was not based solely on this particular game but rather on a series of events throughout the season. The Bills’ offense has failed to meet expectations and has shown a lack of creativity since Week 5. Their record during this period is 2-4, and their scoring has dropped from an average of 34.8 points per game to just 20.5. Moreover, turnovers per drive have increased significantly, with Allen leading the league with 14 turnovers. Slow starts have also plagued the team, with the Bills being outscored in the first half of games since Week 5, trailing only the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants.
A Shift in Leadership
To fill the void left by Dorsey’s departure, the Bills named quarterbacks coach Joe Brady as the interim offensive coordinator. Allen has expressed his faith in Brady, highlighting their close working relationship since Brady joined the team in 2022. Despite the disappointment of losing Dorsey, Allen acknowledges that the team needs to rally together and focus on turning their season around. With time running out, Allen emphasizes the urgency to start winning and secure a playoff berth. The Bills’ margin for error has become increasingly narrow, and they cannot afford any more setbacks.
As the Bills move forward without Dorsey, they must address the issues that have plagued their offense this season. The predictability of their playcalling and the increase in turnovers must be rectified to provide Allen with the support he needs to succeed. The team must also address their slow starts to avoid falling behind early in games. While the decision to fire Dorsey was undoubtedly difficult, the Bills’ organization believes it is necessary to make the necessary changes to salvage their season.
A Lesson Learned
For Josh Allen, the departure of Ken Dorsey serves as a reminder of the personal responsibility he holds as the Bills’ quarterback. Allen understands that his performance directly impacts the coaching staff and his teammates. This experience has provided him with valuable lessons, highlighting the importance of consistent and exceptional play on the field. As the Bills strive to overcome their recent struggles, Allen remains focused on leading his team to success while carrying the weight of Dorsey’s departure as a motivating factor.
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