What Is 2016 Buffalo Bills football team

Overview

The 2016 Buffalo Bills season was the franchise's 47th in the NFL and the 57th overall, marking the second year under head coach Rex Ryan. Despite a 7-9 final record, the team showed improvement in several key areas, particularly on defense and the ground game, ending a streak of sub-.500 seasons.

The Bills played their home games at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York, and competed in the AFC East division. Although they missed the playoffs for the 17th consecutive year, the season was seen as a step forward due to improved offensive balance and defensive consistency.

• 7-9 record: The Bills ended the season with a losing record but posted their best win total since 2014, showing signs of progress under Rex Ryan’s leadership.
• Tyrod Taylor: Started all 16 games at quarterback, throwing for 2,889 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions, posting a 94.7 passer rating.
• LeSean McCoy: Led the team in rushing with 895 yards and 5 touchdowns on 229 carries, maintaining a 3.9-yard average despite offensive line challenges.
• Run defense: Ranked 3rd in the NFL against the run, allowing just 83.5 rushing yards per game, anchored by linebackers Preston Brown and Zach Brown.
• Final game collapse: Lost 28-27 to Miami on January 1, 2017, after leading 21-6 at halftime, highlighting ongoing issues with second-half execution.

Offensive and Defensive Performance

The 2016 Bills implemented a balanced offensive scheme focused on ball control and a strong running game, while their defense emphasized stopping the run and creating turnovers. Coordinated by Anthony Lynn on offense and Rob Ryan on defense, the unit reflected Rex Ryan’s aggressive philosophy.

• 1,961 rushing yards: Ranked 4th in the NFL, fueled by Taylor’s dual-threat ability and McCoy’s consistent production behind a revamped offensive line.
• 15 passing touchdowns: Limited aerial production reflected conservative play-calling, with Robert Woods and Charles Clay as primary receiving targets.
• Marcell Dareus: Recorded 5.5 sacks and 51 tackles, remaining a disruptive force on the defensive line despite injury concerns.
• 28 takeaways: The defense forced 28 turnovers (19 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries), ranking 8th in the league and showcasing improved ball-hawking ability.
• Red zone efficiency: Converted 58% of red zone trips into touchdowns, below league average but improved from previous seasons due to better short-yardage execution.
• Special teams struggles: Kicker Dan Carpenter was released after Week 5; the team cycled through multiple kickers, ultimately settling on rookie Zane Gonzalez later in the year.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 season compared to recent years shows modest improvement in key statistical categories despite the lack of playoff success. Below is a comparison with the 2015 and 2017 seasons.

The table illustrates clear progress in 2016, particularly in rushing offense and defensive takeaways. While the team still fell short of the postseason, the foundation laid in 2016 contributed to the playoff berth achieved in 2017.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a transitional year that set the stage for future competitiveness, even without playoff qualification. It demonstrated the potential of the Ryan-led regime and provided valuable experience for young players and coordinators.

• Development of Tyrod Taylor: Proved he could be a reliable starting QB, leading to a contract extension before being replaced in 2017.
• Anthony Lynn’s emergence: His offensive coordination earned him the Chargers head coaching job after the season, highlighting staff talent.
• Defensive identity: Established a tough, run-stopping culture that persisted into future seasons under new leadership.
• Coaching scrutiny: Rex Ryan’s inability to win close games (3-8 in one-score games) led to his firing after 2016, marking a turning point.
• Playoff drought context: Extended the NFL’s longest active playoff drought to 17 years, increasing pressure for front-office changes.
• Foundation for 2017: The experience gained in 2016 contributed directly to the Bills’ 9-7 record and playoff appearance the following season.

Ultimately, the 2016 Buffalo Bills were a team on the cusp—showing growth and resilience but falling just short of breaking through. Their season remains a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s long rebuild.