Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to bounce back from last week's loss at the Miami Dolphins and get back in the win column at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
KEYS
Get ahead
Every team wants to start fast and get a lead, but it's apparent this Buffalo Bills club really needs to do it in order to control the game and play the way they want. When the Bills can do that, they can lean on their running game and put more pressure on the other team, which can cause mistakes. Not falling behind to the Buccaneers like they did against the Dolphins would really help.
Get pressure (and sacks) on Baker Mayfield
Through their first six games of the season, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was sacked a total of ten times. He's been sacked nine times over their previous three contests. Additionally, Mayfield ran 22 times for 158 yards in those first six games. Since, he does not have a single rushing yard or even attempt. He had been dealing with knee and oblique injuries, which have limited his running ability. He's getting healthier, but the Bills need to make sure he doesn't start using those legs to extend plays and gain yards.
Get the passing game going
The Bills have signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman to the 53-man roster. He may only return punts and kicks, but he certainly offers an element of speed they have been lacking. They also elevated Gabe Davis from the practice squad to the active roster for his first action this season. They are clearly looking to add a spark to the passing offense, and it is sorely needed. With tight end Dalton Kincaid not available to play in this contest, quarterback Josh Allen will look for others to step up. Tampa Bay ranks 24th in the NFL allowing 233.2 yards passing per contest. They are the 11th-ranked rushing defense in the league. So, the Bills will most likely have to throw successfully to move the ball. This week would be a great time to see that start to click.
NOTES AND STATS
