Buffalo Bills Must Play with an “Attack Mentality” Against the Saints

The challenge that the Buffalo Bills (3-0) will face this week is a complacent attitude as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints (0-3).  Universally, the Bills are a heavy favorite in this game, but despite those expectations, these Saints have several playmakers on offense and defense.  If Buffalo expects to roll over the Saints in Week 4, then this could end up being a classic “Trap Game” for the Bills, similar to last week when the Cleveland Browns upset the Green Bay Packers.

Offensively, the Bills have delivered strong performances during the first three weeks of the 2025 NFL season. Quarterback Josh Allen has effectively distributed the ball, trusting the abilities of running back James Cook in the run game, tight end Dalton Kincaid in the passing attack, and wide receivers Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to make key plays. Consequently, Allen’s willingness to rely on his offensive teammates has contributed to the group’s consistency. Defensively, the Bills have struggled with injuries to defensive tackle Ed Oliver and linebacker Matt Milano, but they have continued to excel at forcing opponents to turn the ball over.

In contrast with the Bills, the New Orleans Saints have struggled to find consistency each week, and in Week 3, they made several mistakes on special teams that led to New Orleans being blown out by the Seattle Seahawks.  On the other hand, the Saints’ offense boasts several potential playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, including running back Alvin Kamara, tight end Juwan Johnson, and wide receiver Chris Olave.  Saints starting quarterback Spencer Rattler has also exceeded expectations, proving himself to be an effective game manager.

Buffalo hopes to continue to produce points against the Saints and continue their historic offensive output.

The NFL Injury Report for Week 4 reflects the injury issues that the Bills have had to manage on the defensive side of the ball.  Both defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) have been ruled out this week, and offensive lineman Spencer Brown (calf) and defensive end A.J. Espenesa (pectoral) are questionable this week.  The Saints have two players ruled out for this game: offensive lineman Dillon Radunz (toe) and defensive end Chase Young (calf). Wide receiver Devaughn Vale (hip) is questionable.

As the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the New Orleans Saints’ offense and quarterback Spencer Rattler, they need to ensure they understand New Orleans’ offensive strengths and weaknesses.  Rattler has consistently checked the ball down to his weapons rather than force passes down the field.  In addition to his decision-making as a passer, Rattler is also mobile and can extend plays with his legs.  But Rattler has a weakness, and that is a lack of experience.  Defensively, the Bills need to diversify their pass coverages and disguise their pressures.   Buffalo is great at forcing turnovers, and if the Bills can get Rattler on the run, they can force him to throw some bad passes into coverages that he may not expect.

In addition to pressuring Rattler, the Bills’ defense must contain Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who remains a threat despite not consistently generating big plays this season. If the Saints run effectively with Kamara, they can protect their young quarterback. The Bills need a sound approach to limit Kamara or risk him invigorating the New Orleans offense on the road.

One major improvement the Bills have made offensively is Allen’s increased decisiveness in targeting his playmakers. In their first three games, the Bills have established a productive run game. If Buffalo can run effectively against the Saints, New Orleans will struggle to contain quarterback Josh Allen. Strategically, the Bills must master their offensive fundamentals while also embracing calculated risks to generate big plays. As the season progresses, Buffalo will encounter opponents who force downfield throws, so Allen must consistently refine his ability to connect with his offensive weapons for explosive gains.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Bills could fall into the trap of trying to manage the game against an experienced defense.  The disadvantage of the Saints’ veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball is that most of their best defenders are nearing the end of their careers.  Buffalo needs to be aggressive and establish a vertical passing threat against the Saints.  Most likely, a game plan heavily loaded with play-action passes will allow the Bills to use Allen’s outstanding arm to produce explosive plays.  Bills running back James Cook has had a great start to the season, and that will lead to the Saints overcommitting to step Cook, setting up big play opportunities for the Buffalo offense.

The biggest area of failure for the New Orleans Saints this season has occurred with the Saints’ special teams units.  So far this season, the Saints have allowed kicks to be returned for touchdowns, punts to be blocked, and they have given up explosive punt returns.  While the Bills have not exceeded expectations on special teams, Buffalo has been solid.  Making a big play on a punt or kick return, or blocking a punt, could ultimately determine whether this game ends up being a close one in the 4th quarter.  Or if the Bills or Saints make critical mistakes on special teams, either team could find themselves needing to overcome those mistakes while also attempting to outperform their opponents in all phases of the game.