Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Finally, we are here!
The preseason is over, and the games now count starting Sunday when the Buffalo Bills host the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
For the Bills to start the season with a win, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Early chemistry
The Bills played their starters one quarter during the preseason, and that was way back on Aug. 10. The Cardinals did not play theirs, for the most part, at all.
This will really be their first real action of the season for either side.
There’s going to be an adjustment to the speed and chemistry, especially for a Bills offense with so many new faces at wideout. Josh Allen and his receivers will need to find a rhythm and feel comfortable together early.
2.) Contain Kyler
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is one of the best dual-threat signal callers in the game, throwing for 1,799 yards and running for another 244 in only eight games last season. He’s already run for 26 touchdowns over his career in just 65 games.
Murray is terrific at extending plays. The Bills defense will want to keep him in the pocket and not allow him to make big plays with his feet.
3.) Bills specialists
Bills kicker Tyler Bass had his struggles last season, and had an inconsistent training camp. Any missed kicks in this one could be costly.
A couple makes early, however, could really boost his confidence for the short- and long-term.
They also have a brand new punt returner in rookie Brandon Codrington. Even though it will be pretty breezy and not overly windy, it will still be some of the windiest conditions he’s ever faced fielding the ball. He will not only have to make good decisions, but be extremely sure-handed.
NOTES AND STATS:
