Indianapolis, Ind. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to win their fifth-straight game, and go 8-2 for the first time in 31 years when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts on Sunday afternoon.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Stop Jonathan Taylor
The last time the Bills faced Taylor, he ran all over them, rushing for 185 yards and four touchdowns. That was three years ago, but Taylor is still a very effective back, averaging 4.8 yards a carry this season.
With wide receiver Michael Pittman out, Taylor should become an even bigger focal point of the Colts offense.
The Bills defense ranks 26th in the NFL in yards allowed rushing per-play. They’ll have to be much better than that against Taylor.
2.) Someone in passing game needs to step up
Keon Coleman won’t play in this game, while Amari Cooper is questionable. Both receivers are dealing with wrist injuries.
Meanwhile, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins are also both banged up.
The Bills are really hurting at wide receiver. While Khalil Shakir is leading all NFL receivers in catch percentage, he can’t be the only wideout Josh Allen looks to when a play is needed to be made.
Whether it’s Hollins, Samuel, or Jalen Virgil, who was just signed from the practice squad to the active roster, there will be a time in the game where someone needs to step up and make a play.
3.) Run the ball
To take pressure off that banged up receiving corps, the Bills need to run the ball effectively. They should have opportunity to do that against a Colts defense that ranks 31st in the league, giving up 149.8 yards per-game on the ground.
The Bills' trio of James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson have been a solid and effective combination. They’ll need to lean on them in this one to control the game, and not force the offense to have to convert long-yardage situations.
NOTES AND STATS:
