Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 13, 2024 11:16 pm GMT
As the NFL season progresses, the Buffalo Bills find themselves navigating both the triumphs and challenges of a new campaign. Sitting atop the AFC East at 2-0, fans are excited about the victories, yet concerns about kicker Tyler Bass linger. With the franchise bringing in two free agents for workouts recently, the question looms large: Is it time for the Bills to make a change at kicker, or do they still have confidence in Bass?
Buffalo Bills’ Strong Start
The Bills have kicked off their 2024 season on a high note, securing two wins and showcasing their offensive prowess by scoring 65 points across both games. This strong start has fans buzzing with optimism about the team’s potential for a deep postseason run.
- Current Standing: First place in the AFC East
- Total Points Scored: 65 points in two games
Despite the success, Buffalo must maintain momentum as they head into Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where they are currently favored by 5.5 points. The team’s ability to perform well against difficult opponents will be crucial as they aim for playoff success.
Tyler Bass Under Scrutiny
Among the many discussions surrounding the Bills, kicker Tyler Bass remains a focal point. While he has had a decent season—making three of four field goals and eight extra points—speculation about his job security has intensified. His recent miss during a comfortable win over the Miami Dolphins raised eyebrows, especially as the Bills hosted kickers Anders Carlson and Cade York for workouts this past week.
- Field Goal Accuracy: 3 for 4 this season, 82.8% in 2023
- Concerns: Missed a crucial field goal in Week 2
Head coach Sean McDermott reassured fans, stating, “We remain confident in Tyler and what he’s doing. We are confident in what he will continue to do for us going forward.” His remarks suggest that the organization is still behind Bass, even amid the workouts.
Fans Weigh In
In recent SB Nation Reacts surveys, Bills Mafia weighed in on their thoughts regarding the team’s direction and Tyler Bass’s performance. A staggering 93% of fans expressed approval of the Bills’ recent performance, indicating strong support for the team ahead of their crucial matchup against Jacksonville.
When asked whether it’s time to replace Bass, only 38% of voters believed a change was necessary. This shows that while some fans are concerned about his job security, many still have faith in his abilities.
Understanding the Workouts
The decision to host Carlson and York does not necessarily mean a change is imminent. Teams often bring in free agents as a strategy to motivate current players or to explore options for the practice squad. It’s important to recognize the background of the kickers the Bills evaluated:
- Anders Carlson:
– Rookie for the Packers
– Missed six field goals and five extra points in 2023
- Cade York:
– Former fourth-round pick for the Browns
– Struggled in his rookie season with eight missed field goals
Both Carlson and York have experienced inconsistencies in their careers, which raises questions about whether they could perform better than Bass.
Tyler Bass’s Background and Future
Tyler Bass signed a four-year contract extension worth $20 million following the 2022 season, making it complicated for the Bills to release him if they decide to go in another direction. His previous seasons show a pattern of ups and downs:
- 2022 Stats: Perfect postseason, but inconsistencies in the regular season linger
- 2023 Stats: Noted for a drop in field goal percentage, now at 82.8%
While Bass has had his struggles, many believed he warranted support after his performance during critical matches in previous seasons.
Conclusion
As the Bills get ready for their Week 3 game against the Jaguars, everyone is watching how the team plays and what Tyler Bass will do. The team has made some recent changes that seem like a push for improvement, but both the players and coaches believe in Bass and want to help him get better. We’ll have to wait and see how things turn out, but right now, both the team and the fans are hopeful that Bass can improve his skills and help the team have a great season.
