Examining the Buffalo Bills’ Vertical Passing Struggles in 2024

What were the causes of Josh Allen’s bottom-tier vertical passing output in 2024?

The Buffalo Bills offense was outstanding in 2024. Scoring the most points and touchdowns ever in a single season in franchise history, it was arguably the best offense the Bills have ever put on the field. The unit ranked No. 2 in the NFL in points per game and finished second in offensive EPA per play. In 2024, the Bills produced the first offense in league history to tally 30+ rushing and 30+ passing touchdowns. In just about any way to measure the performance of an offense, Buffalo fared exceptionally well.

With that being said, there was one notable issue: Buffalo’s vertical passing offense was abysmal.

Vertical or “deep passing” includes throws targeted 20 yards or more down the field from the line of scrimmage. Remember that it doesn’t mean 20 yards from where the quarterback releases the ball; it is measured from the line of scrimmage to the target's location.

How bad was it? I’m glad you asked. Here’s the data, which always comes courtesy of the outstanding Fantasy Points Data suite.