Bills’ Concerns Emerge in Preseason Finale Loss

The Buffalo Bills concluded their preseason with a 31-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers , leaving the team with a 1-2 preseason record. With key starters resting, including quarterback Josh Allen , the Bills focused on evaluating the depth of their roster. Despite some strong individual performances, several areas of concern emerged during the game, particularly in the passing game, special teams, and long-range kicking.

Quarterback Anthony Brown Jr. stepped in for the absent starters and completed 11-of-12 passes for 102 yards. However, the overall passing game left much to be desired, with the Bills managing just 164 passing yards on 27 attempts. In contrast, the Panthers racked up 340 yards through the air on only 10 more attempts. While Brown and fellow backup Ben DiNucci did their best under pressure, the lack of offensive firepower highlighted the challenge Buffalo may face if their starters are sidelined during the regular season.

Special teams also had a tough night, with issues that extended beyond coverage. The Panthers exploited Buffalo’s special teams unit, ripping off three kick returns of at least 13 yards, including a 46-yard return by Ihmir Smith-Marsette . Many of the players involved in these plays are expected to be part of the special teams unit during the regular season, making the need for improvement in this area critical.

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Adding to the special teams' concerns was kicker Tyler Bass , who missed a 51-yard field goal during the game. While Bass has generally been reliable, his struggles with long-range kicks have been noticeable this preseason. As the regular season approaches, his inconsistency from deep will be something to watch closely, especially in tight games where every point counts. Bass will need to regain his form to ensure the Bills aren’t left vulnerable in crucial moments.

As the Bills finalize their 53-man roster, these challenges will need to be addressed to ensure the team is fully prepared for the upcoming season. With the regular season just around the corner, Buffalo will need to tighten up these areas to remain competitive in the AFC East.