East Rutherford, N.J. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will be looking to avoid losing a third-straight game, while also take a commanding lead in the AFC East when they travel to New Jersey to take on the New York Jets.
To get a win and do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Don’t allow the bump
The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh this week. Usually when that happens, a team gets a bit of a bump in their play. Maybe from an energy boost, maybe because they’re paying more attention to detail, maybe they’re more accountable that next week.
Whatever the reason, the Bills can’t get caught up in the Jets' emotion, and need to match their energy from the start of the game. Take the crowd and emotion out of the game early, and don’t give New York any hope.
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2.) Keep smothering Rodgers
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been getting beaten up the last few weeks. He’s been sacked eight times over the last two games, and 13 times already this season.
The Bills have to continue to harass him, which forces him to get rid of the ball early, and force some errant throws. Rodgers threw three interceptions last week against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
That will keep the Jets in longer-yardage situations, and not allow them to try to run the ball - something they’ll most likely want to and try to do against the Bills defense - and take pressure off Rodgers.
3.) Find easier throws
The Bills offense has really struggled the last two games, scoring just 30 points, converting only 6-of-27 third down chances, and averaging just 256 yards of offense.
Quarterback Josh Allen is just 25-of-59 (42.3%) over the last two games.
Allen needs to play better, but the offense overall needs to find easier throws and plays to get yardage. Wide receivers have to a better job of separating and getting open early in the down. Allen was just 4-of-18 targeting that position group last week.
The Jets have an excellent defense that will make it tough on the Bills. Buffalo can’t make it even easier for them.
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