Los Angeles, Calif. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills head to Los Angeles to not only take on the Rams, but to be a part of the NFL‘s opening game for the first time in franchise history.
Facing the defending Super Bowl champions in their own house on a night they are raising the banner, it’s going to be a tough task. But the Bills, betting favorites in Las Vegas to win Super Bowl LVII, certainly have the ability to come out on top.
Here are my three keys to the game for that to happen, plus notes and stats:
Joshua Bessex - Getty Images
Bills revamped defensive line
The Bills, of course, went out and signed defensive end Von Miller to a six-year, $120 million contract this offseason. He’s expected to come in and immediately help their pass rush.
Buffalo also overhauled the rest of the defensive line in the process. Out are Jerry Hughes, Star Lotulelei, Harrison Phillips, Mario Addison, and Vernon Butler. In are Miller, Tim Settle, DaQuan Jones, Jordan Phillips, and Shaq Lawson.
That group is expected to control the line of scrimmage, and if they can, it will go along way in securing a victory in this one.
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Taron Johnson vs. Cooper Kupp
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp will predominantly line up in the slot. That’s where Bills nickel cornerback Taron Johnson will also be, staring right at him from across the line of scrimmage.
It might be the best 1-on-1 matchup to watch the entire night, and who gets the better of the other might also be a big determining factor and who comes out on top.
Joshua Bessex - Getty Images
Dorsey’s first call
Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey will be calling plays for the first time as an NFL coach.
We’ve heard a lot of good things about how things have gone at camp between him and quarterback Josh Allen and the rest of the unit. Allen has certainly given Dorsey his endorsement, but none of that really matters until it gets real, which is does Thursday night.
How Dorsey handles being a first-time play-caller, making adjustments on the fly, communicating with Allen, quarterbacks coach Joe Brady, and the rest of his staff is going to be a big test for him.
There’s no more time for learning on the job.
NOTES AND STATS:
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