Bills, after 37-31 loss to Jets, fire their offensive coordinator

Rex Ryan is holding himself answerable for the Buffalo Bills’ slow start. At the same time, he’s made a significant change to his coaching staff by firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Roman was let go Friday in a bid to kick start the Bills’ sputtering Tyrod Taylor-led attack.

“I’m accountable for everything that goes on here,” Ryan said. “Offense, defense, special teams, anything, you name it. And I’m accountable for making decisions like this. It falls on me. And I accept those responsibilities.”

The team announced the move in an email released a day after Buffalo fell to 0-2 following a 37-31 loss to the New York Jets.

Running backs coach Anthony Lynn will take over as coordinator. Lynn also serves as an assistant head coach and has spent the past eight years working under Ryan.

Ryan called Lynn “an outstanding coach,” who has turned down opportunities to be an offensive coordinator in the past. Lynn also interviewed for the Miami Dolphins’ head coaching vacancy during the offseason.

“He commands respect. He’s got the respect of the entire locker room,” Ryan said. “He’s a smart guy, X and O’s guy. He’s a former world champion as a player. He comes from great stock.”

Roman was in his second season as coordinator, and was hired by Ryan when he took over the team in January 2015.

“I appreciate Greg Roman and the job he did for us. Always thought he’s a tremendous coach and I still believe that,” Ryan said. “But this is a decision that I think, going forward, is going to help our team and that’s why I did it.”

Ryan wouldn’t say what specific changes he hopes to see from the offense. But he indicated getting the ball to the Bills’ top playmakers would be a priority.

“We have a lot of talent on offense,” Ryan said. “I believe we are going to do what we can to put the ball in our playmakers’ hands, and I think Anthony will do that.”

The Bills’ offense is off to a sputtering start. It managed just 160 yards — Buffalo’s lowest total in a decade — in a season-opening 13-7 loss at Baltimore on Sunday. Against the Jets, the Bills had 307 yards offense, with more than half that coming on two plays: Taylor’s 84-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin and a 74-yard TD pass to Greg Salas.

Otherwise, Buffalo managed 16 first downs, had one drive reach the red zone, and converted 3 of 10 third-down chances.

Though Buffalo scored 31 points, seven came as a result of safety Nickell Robey-Coleman returning Jalin Marshall’s fumble 36 yards for a touchdown.

The running attack has particularly struggled a year after leading the NFL with 2,432 yards. Buffalo has combined for just 151 yards rushing in two games.

Etc.

The Green Bay Packers have listed Sam Shields as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Minnesota after the team’s top cornerback was evaluated this week for a concussion. Shields, who was hurt late in last week’s season-opening win at Jacksonville, also missed four games late last season because of a concussion. …

Jets Coach Todd Bowles says wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s left knee is “sore” but “fine” and he should be able to play in New York’s next game. Marshall avoided serious injury after a scary-looking knee twist Thursday night when Buffalo cornerback Stephon Gilmore brought him down by the facemask in the second quarter of the Jets’ 37-31 win. Marshall had additional tests Friday, which revealed no serious damage. …

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory will miss his second straight game Sunday while recovering from a “general medical issue.” Coach Gus Bradley ruled Ivory out Friday, saying T.J. Yeldon will start at San Diego and Denard Robinson will get some carries. Bradley also ruled out cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring).