BILLS
The dysfunctional start to the season could continue to spiral out of control with one of the NFC's top Super Bowl contenders coming to town on Sunday. The Cardinals seem to have the edge everywhere on paper but it is never easy for a team to come east for a 1pm start so the Bills at least have that going for them. With a new offensive coordinator the Bills are hoping that can use the element of surprise to move the ball against a solid Arizona defense. This is an early season must win for the Bills and the opponent couldn't be any tougher.
KEY MATCHUPS
WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Patrick Peterson:
This is the biggest matchup of the week. The Cardinals confirmed Peterson will be following Watkins all over the field. If Sammy was completely healthy this would be real fun to watch but Peterson likely has a big edge with Sammy's foot ailing. Let's see if new OC Anthony Lynn finds different ways to get the ball into Watkins' hands.
RB LeSean McCoy vs. SS Tony Jefferson:
McCoy should become the central figure in the new offense under Lynn. This is a smart idea as Shady is still one of the biggest running back threats in the league. Jefferson is a solid run stuffer from the safety spot and leads the Cardinals in tackles.
LBs Zach and Preston Brown vs. RB David Johnson:
The Brown Brothers in the middle of the Bills defense will have their hands full with the dual threat running back who is a developing star. Johnson can hurt you just as bad catching the ball as he can running with it so the two insider backers will have to be ready.
CB Stephon Gilmore vs. WR Larry Fitzgerald:
Gilmore will be looking to bounce back from probably the worst game of his career against the Jets. He will likely lineup against the future hall of famer in Fitzgerald more times than not. He needs a huge game to get the bitter taste of the Jets game out of his mouth and to help curtail the Cardinals passing attack.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Pressure Chandler: I hope they learned their lesson from last week when they allowed Fitzpatrick to just sit there and pick them apart. Chandler is a statue in the pocket, so they need to make him feel uncomfortable there with constant pressure.
2. Band Together Like A Family: It seems this team has an us against the world mentality right now and they could use it to their advantage. If the chaos surrounding the team allows them to pull together instead of break them apart they likely can play their best game of the young season.
3. Get The Ball To The Playmakers: In his press conference after firing Greg Roman, Rex Ryan said that they need to get the ball into the hands of the talented offensive weapons. Lynn's main job is to find ways to get the ball early and often to LeSean McCoy, Sammy Watkins, and Charles Clay. If they do this then the total number of plays they run should go up and give them a chance at the upset.
--billsdaily
The dysfunctional start to the season could continue to spiral out of control with one of the NFC's top Super Bowl contenders coming to town on Sunday. The Cardinals seem to have the edge everywhere on paper but it is never easy for a team to come east for a 1pm start so the Bills at least have that going for them. With a new offensive coordinator the Bills are hoping that can use the element of surprise to move the ball against a solid Arizona defense. This is an early season must win for the Bills and the opponent couldn't be any tougher.
KEY MATCHUPS
WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Patrick Peterson:
This is the biggest matchup of the week. The Cardinals confirmed Peterson will be following Watkins all over the field. If Sammy was completely healthy this would be real fun to watch but Peterson likely has a big edge with Sammy's foot ailing. Let's see if new OC Anthony Lynn finds different ways to get the ball into Watkins' hands.
RB LeSean McCoy vs. SS Tony Jefferson:
McCoy should become the central figure in the new offense under Lynn. This is a smart idea as Shady is still one of the biggest running back threats in the league. Jefferson is a solid run stuffer from the safety spot and leads the Cardinals in tackles.
LBs Zach and Preston Brown vs. RB David Johnson:
The Brown Brothers in the middle of the Bills defense will have their hands full with the dual threat running back who is a developing star. Johnson can hurt you just as bad catching the ball as he can running with it so the two insider backers will have to be ready.
CB Stephon Gilmore vs. WR Larry Fitzgerald:
Gilmore will be looking to bounce back from probably the worst game of his career against the Jets. He will likely lineup against the future hall of famer in Fitzgerald more times than not. He needs a huge game to get the bitter taste of the Jets game out of his mouth and to help curtail the Cardinals passing attack.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Pressure Chandler: I hope they learned their lesson from last week when they allowed Fitzpatrick to just sit there and pick them apart. Chandler is a statue in the pocket, so they need to make him feel uncomfortable there with constant pressure.
2. Band Together Like A Family: It seems this team has an us against the world mentality right now and they could use it to their advantage. If the chaos surrounding the team allows them to pull together instead of break them apart they likely can play their best game of the young season.
3. Get The Ball To The Playmakers: In his press conference after firing Greg Roman, Rex Ryan said that they need to get the ball into the hands of the talented offensive weapons. Lynn's main job is to find ways to get the ball early and often to LeSean McCoy, Sammy Watkins, and Charles Clay. If they do this then the total number of plays they run should go up and give them a chance at the upset.
--billsdaily
