New York (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills will open the 2023 season on Monday night at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Here are my three keys to the game for the Bills to get the win over the Jets, plus notes and stats for the game ahead:
1.) Don't get down early
The Bills don't have to take a resounding lead early in the game, but they can't fall too far behind either.
It's going to be incredibly emotional night and atmosphere on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Added into that, it will be quarterback Aaron Rodgers' debut in a Jets uniform.
The crowd will be hyped up and incredibly loud. If the Jets take a lead early in the game, it will just make it louder and tougher on the Bills, especially their offense.
2.) Use the weapons
The Bills went out and added several weapons to their offense this offseason, including using their first-round pick on tight end Dalton Kincaid. They also signed wide receivers Deonte Harty and Trent Sherfield.
They may all be needed in some capacity to help beat a very good Jets defense.
Josh Allen can't just rely on wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. He'll need to spread the ball around to keep the Jets off balance, and to create mismatches where he can find them.
3.) Defensive line has to win
The single biggest matchup advantage the Bills might have in this one could be their defensive line against the Jets' offensive line, which was not very good last year and hasn't had very glowing reports out of training camp or preseason this year.
If the Jets' line can give Aaron Rodgers enough protection, that could make it a tough night for the Bills defense.
The Buffalo defensive line, even without Von Miller, should be able to get its share of wins, and needs to make a few big plays when they do.
NOTES AND STATS:
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