The Buffalo Bills will be looking to go 6-1 to start a season for the first time since 1993 when they face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in Orchard Park.
Here are three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
- Grounded Eagles defensive tackles
The Eagles are dealing with several injuries, but their interior defensive line has been hit particularly hard the last few weeks. They'll be playing two defensive tackles - Anthony Rush and Albert Huggins - who will be making their NFL debuts. Philadelphia's run defense has been good overall this year, allowing only 89.4 yards per-game and 3.73 yards per-play, both seventh overall in the NFL. However, they were chewed up for 189 yards and 5.3 yards per-carry last week against the Dallas Cowboys. The Bills are averaging 135.8 yards per-game and 4.88 per-play on the ground on offense this season. They'll most likely test those young Eagles defensive tackles by trying to pound the ball right at them and seeing if they can control the game that way.
- Double trouble
Over the last two weeks, Eagles tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert have combined for 15 receptions and 209 yards. Ertz has always been one of the top tight ends in football, but now Goedert is showing he is also a major contributor. Bills linebacker Matt Milano was out last week and is questionable to play in this game. The Bills use several players to cover opposing tight ends, given different situations, but if Milano doesn't play, it will be very challenging to keep the Eagles' duo in check. Even if Milano does, it won't be easy. Philadelphia will be relying on both of them to make plays.
- Weather or not
The forecast for Sunday is calling for heavy wind, including gusts of 45 miles-per-hour or more, as well as rain, which may taper off by game time. However, it's going to be wet and windy, and that could very well play a role in how this game unfolds. Whether it's a field goal attempt, a punt high in the air, or a pass that goes awry, one play on either side could swing this one, and the weather might give us that one play. If either team can fight through the wind and not let it effect them for 60 minutes, they'll have a great shot to win it.
NOTES AND STATS
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