The Buffalo Bills have lost two games in a row for the first time since October of 2020. They’ll need a win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday to avoid a third-straight loss and stay on track for a playoff spot.
To do it, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Protect Josh Allen
Bills head coach Sean McDermott told WGR on Friday that Josh Allen will start under center. The quarterback has been dealing with a sprained foot since last Sunday’s overtime loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On top of that, starting left tackle Dion Dawkins was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. That means the Bills will be shuffling their offensive line around once again, likely moving rookie Spencer Brown from the right side to the left.
The Panthers have one of the better pass rushes in the NFL, ranking fourth in sacks per-pass attempt (8.36%). The Bills need to make sure Allen is able to get rid of the ball and not be taken down for losses.
2.) Get after Panthers quarterbacks
While the Bills need to protect Allen, they’ll want to get after Panthers quarterbacks Cam Newton and P.J. Walker, both of whom will play.
Carolina has allowed the 10th-highest sacks per-pass attempt (7.16%) in the NFL. The Bills defense has only registered four sacks over their last four games, and has no sacks in two of those contests.
That needs to change on Sunday with, what appears to be, a favorable matchup against the Panthers' offensive line.
3.) Take the ball away
The Bills had led the league in takeaways just a few weeks ago, but have only forced two takeaways on defense over their last four games (they also have one special teams takeaway). They now sit tied for third with 26 overall.
The Panthers have turned the ball over 23 times, fourth-most in the NFL, including 17 interceptions thrown, second-most in the league. The Bills have to get back to taking the ball away and setting their offense up with short fields.
Opportunities will be there.
NOTES AND STATS:
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