AP photo
By Brandon J. Koch
The Buffalo Bills take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a week 7 matchup at New Era Field.
Buffalo is coming off thier bye, more healthy and ready to go as the team has 3 games in 11 days.
Here’s what to look for today:
Get running game going
Seems like every week we have been talking about getting the running game back to where it was the past two seasons. The offensive coaching staff had the bye week to make some wrinkles in this run game and I think we’ll see it. These Bills are in a good spot right now, if they really want to contend for a playoff spot, they need to run the football. Adrian Peterson ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns off of 26 carries against these Bucs last week. Feed McCoy.
Passing offense
See how I started right away with the offense? It’s been up and down all year. All of Buffalo’s wins we have seen an efficent Tyrod Taylor, doing enough through the air and with his legs. Now with Jordan Matthews expected to play today, according to NFL Network, that should help the passing game. Nick O’Leary has shown to be a nice pass catcher, would like to see his number called. Your second round rookie receiver? Get him the ball. Make sure LeSean McCoy gets his targets as well.
Pressure on Winston
He’s still banged up, but I guess good enough to start this game, according to his coach. The Bills have done a good job applying pressure to quarterbacks this season so far. With his shoulder not healthy, I expect this defense to get at him early and often. Who knows how much he threw in practice Friday.
Stopping running game
Ever since Doug Martin came back, they want to run the ball first to set up the passing game. The Bills have been solid all year against the run, with exceptions of a few games. I know this Bucs passing offense has a lot of weapons. But it could be a long day for them if they are one dimensional.
Contain Evans/Jackson/Brate
All three of them of the biggest targets for Winston week in and week out. It will be interesting who gets to cover Brate, as he usually lined up in the slot. Leonard Johnson is expected to play, I wonder if he can handle Brate. Tre’Davious White has yet another tough matchup against Mike Evans. White had a struggle last game, but showed he can bounce back. EJ Gaines is expected to play and hopefully can shadow speedster DeSean Jackson. It’s been hard for quarterbacks to throw against Gaines.
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