The Buffalo Bills faced a disheartening 38-0 defeat against the Chicago Bears, raising concerns ahead of the regular season opener.

Why it matters: The blowout loss magnifies existing issues within the Bills' roster as they prepare for their first game against the Baltimore Ravens on September 7.

• Head coach Sean McDermott expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's lackluster performance, indicating that significant adjustments are necessary before the season begins.
• This preseason setback follows an alarming trend, as the Bills have allowed a staggering total of 72 points and 924 yards over their first two games.

What’s new: The Bills were thoroughly outplayed, managing only 180 total yards compared to the Bears’ 528.

• Starting quarterback Josh Allen did not participate in the game, resting to prioritize his health, which left the offense without its primary playmaker.
• Meanwhile, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams showcased his skills, completing 6-of-10 passes for 107 yards and leading an impressive opening drive capped off by a 36-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus.

By the numbers: The statistics tell a stark story about the Bills’ struggles.

• They have been outgained significantly in both of their preseason matches, culminating in a dramatic yardage discrepancy against the Bears.
• Caleb Williams 130 quarterback rating highlighted his efficiency, contrasting sharply with the Bills' inability to generate offensive momentum.

What to watch: Moving forward, the Bills must address both defensive lapses and offensive inefficiencies leading up to the regular season.

• McDermott emphasized the need for improved performance across all levels of the team, saying, "Doesn't matter who's out there -- ones, twos, threes, fours -- whoever it is, we expect them to perform."

Yes, but: While it was a dismal outcome, fans should consider that preseason records often don't reflect regular-season capabilities.

• With key players like Allen resting, the Bills will likely field a more robust lineup come Week 1, which could lead to a different narrative when they face the Ravens.

The bottom line: The Bills have much work to do before the upcoming season, and this defeat serves as a wake-up call.

• As McDermott stated, “I’m concerned about a lot of things coming off tonight... There’s a lot that needs to get cleaned up,” underscoring the urgency for improvement within the team framework.

In summary, while the preseason may be a time for experimentation, the Bills must heed this defeat as a critical learning opportunity in order to bounce back effectively against tougher competition.

In summary, while the preseason may be a time for experimentation, the Bills must heed this defeat as a critical learning opportunity in order to bounce back effectively against tougher competition.