ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- As the Buffalo Bills gear up for the 2024 NFL season, the question on everyone's mind is: what will define success for their offense?

The answer, once again, hinges on the performance of their standout quarterback, Josh Allen.

Allen has kicked off the season with remarkable momentum, placing him firmly within the early MVP discussions. His leadership is crucial, especially as he adapts to a transformed wide receivers corps and a new offensive coordinator, Joe Brady. After a full offseason to implement his schemes, Brady is focusing on versatility—adjusting to defenses while ensuring the ball is distributed across multiple targets.

“Josh has been incredibly consistent in his performance and approach this season,” coach Sean McDermott shared following Week 3. “As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how defenses adapt. Watching his development has been exciting.”

Yet, the discussion doesn't stop at Allen. The departure of Stefon Diggs, who captivated fans as the team's primary receiver for four years, looms large over the franchise. With his trade to the Houston Texans creating a void, the Bills have impressively showcased an offense capable of thriving under pressure. Even in the face of adversity—illustrated by their disappointing 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4—the team has found ways to adapt.

This Sunday, they will face off against the Texans and a familiar face in Diggs, aiming to bounce back and reclaim their winning momentum (1 p.m. ET, CBS).

Success for the Bills will fundamentally rely on Allen maintaining his high-level play. However, it also reflects a strategic mindset labeled as “everybody eats.” This philosophy ensures all players approach every snap with the mindset that they could be the next target.

“It’s easier when you have Josh at quarterback,” Brady stated. “We've been able to win in various ways, whether through the ground game or through the air. Our adaptability has been crucial.”

Unfortunately, the mantra “everybody eats” faltered against Baltimore, and both Brady and Allen accepted responsibility for the loss. “It was largely self-inflicted,” Allen commented, acknowledging that quicker decision-making might have altered the outcome.

The offensive changes extend beyond Diggs, as center Mitch Morse has also departed, with Connor McGovern stepping into his role. Additionally, wide receiver Gabe Davis switched teams, now playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. These transitions have not hindered Allen's performance, however. He currently leads the league in total QBR (82) with an impressive record of zero interceptions through the first four games—a personal milestone for him.

While Allen excels, one area of concern this season is his fumbles—he has lost two out of three, including a critical misstep during the Ravens game. Despite this, he remains third in touchdowns with nine, demonstrating the effectiveness of distributing offensive responsibilities, with six players already catching touchdown passes.

Emerging connections with receivers like Khalil Shakir, who unfortunately will miss the Texans game due to an ankle injury, and tight end Dalton Kincaid, are promising signs for the Bills. Rookie Keon Coleman has also shown potential with impressive catches, contributing to the dynamic playmaking within the offense.

The absence of a standout receiver like Diggs is palpable; he previously averaged a stellar target share of 28.1%, ranking third-highest in the league. In contrast, Shakir currently leads the Bills with a target share of 19.4%, which ranks only 46th among NFL receivers.

“It’s exciting because you never know where the ball is going to go on any given play,” said tight end Dawson Knox. “Our versatility makes it challenging for defenses, and the more integrated we can be as a roster, the better we’ll perform.”

With plans to capitalize on their running game and improved yards after catch (6.4 YAC, up from 5.1 last year), the Bills are set to challenge opponents creatively. Running back James Cook has been exceptional, ranking eighth in yards before contact (3.3) and already achieving a career-high in rushing touchdowns (3).

To flourish without a clear No. 1 receiver, players like Kincaid, Shakir, and Coleman must elevate their roles. The mantra of "everybody eats" will be crucial, as opportunities arise for all as the season progresses. WR Curtis Samuel is also poised to make more of an impact this weekend, given Shakir's absence.

For the Bills to leave their Week 4 disappointment behind, it’s vital that Allen forges strong connections with as many offensive players as possible before heading to Houston and beyond.

“We’ve shown we can operate effectively in both big and small personnel," Allen noted. "Whether it’s the run game or passing, we have the flexibility to adjust. Knowing that we can throw to various players at any moment adds an exciting dimension to our game.”

As the Bills continue evolving without Diggs, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how their offensive strategy unfolds. Will they find triumph in their versatility, or will the absence of a clear go-to receiver haunt them? Only time will tell.