The Buffalo Bills will look to get back in the win column on Sunday after last week's unexpected 9-6 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are gearing up to take on the New York Jets in the first of two matchups this season between AFC East rivals
To do it, here are my three keys to the game, plus note in stats:
1.) Let’s get physical
Head coach Sean McDermott has made it a point to talk about physicality and making sure the Bills are playing that brand of football. Whether it's blocking in the run game or pass game, or on defense, they need to play with a mentality and mindset that they are the more physical of the two teams and impose that will on the Jets.
Buffalo lost too many 1-on-1 matchups last week to the Jaguars, especially along the offensive line. There are different reasons for that, but a lot of it has to do with playing more physical from the snap to the whistle.
2.) Offensive line/Josh Allen improvement
Speaking of the offensive line, their performance last week was downright bad. They had their struggles all across the board.
Getting right tackle Spencer Brown back for this contest will help a lot, moving Daryl Williams back to right guard. But no matter who is out there, they absolutely have to do a better job of protecting Josh Allen than they did a week ago.
That will lead to Allen not trying to force the issue and make plays that aren’t there, which was also an issue last Sunday.
3.) Make life tough on Mike White
Jets starting quarterback Mike White threw for 405 yards in his first-ever NFL start a couple weeks ago against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was already up to 95 yards passing in just one quarter against the Indianapolis Colts last Thursday before getting hurt.
He’s on a roll, and he and the team are feeling good about him under center. The Bills, who have the top-ranked overall and pass defense in the NFL, need to confuse him and pressure him into mistakes.
That will lead to a lot more opportunities for the offense, as well.
NOTES AND STATS:
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