By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills put together its most impressive performance of the Sean McDermott era in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. The offensive numbers were not awe-inspiring, but the efficiency of the offense in conjunction with a high-pressure defense which forced several Vikings errors led to a 27-6 upset victory. The win was the largest upset in 23 years in the NFL.
This weekend’s game against the Green Bay Packers is no easier on paper. Buffalo has to travel to the hallowed Lambeau Field to take on the Packers, who are also in desperate need of a win to keep pace in the NFC North.
It would be improbable for the Bills to pull off another stunner this week, but Buffalo is primed to put up a battle. While it is obviously favorable to see the Bills win this week, the team needs to continue their “growth mindset” and produce a strong performance Sunday, win or lose.
With that, here are five we want to see from the Bills Sunday:
Josh Allen continues his growth as the leader of the offense
Josh Allen’s performance against Minnesota had many naysayers changing their minds about the rookie. Allen was efficient all afternoon, making only one poor throw on the day. Otherwise, he used his athleticism to extend plays beyond the pocket. The Wyoming product also used his sneaky speed to make several runs, two of which found the end zone.
In his two starts, Allen has worked to find an open option, which has spread targets to a variety of options on the offense. If this keeps the offense moving forward, then it’s best to get more players involved in the receiving game. Buffalo’s top receiving options of Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones are averaging two catches per game. That doesn’t sound exciting, but if it leads to wins, we’re all for it.
Brian Daboll needs to call an aggressive game plan
It definitely helped that the Bills defense forced turnovers which gave the offense great field position on several occasions versus the Vikings. However, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s play calling also put great pressure on Minnesota’s defense. Daboll called several run-pass options, which the Vikings struggled to contain. In addition, the first-year Bills coordinator called plays which encouraged Allen to take shots downfield.
The Bills may be without LeSean McCoy for their Week 4 matchup, as he is questionable for Sunday’s game. Even if he is on the field, Daboll still needs a game plan which keeps the Packers defense off balance. McCoy will most likely not be able to receive his usual volume of touches due to the injury, so the need for Daboll to find plays to exploit the Green Bay defense will be even more important this week.
The wide receivers need to eliminate excuses
It’s not really newsworthy that the Bills wideouts are not producing massive numbers thus far. In fact, they’re barely adequate. The Bills would like to see someone from the unit make a game-changing play. As of now, defenses have no one to fear. It would be desirable if one of the wideouts could step up his game and make a stronger connection with Allen.
Benjamin asked earlier in the week, “We been throwing at all?” This week, the receivers need to give Daboll a reason to call more plays through the air. No matter the situation, the wide receivers need to find a way to get open and catch the ball. Allen needs to find them. This reciprocal relationship must start to gel if the Bills wish to have a productive game through the air.
The defensive line needs to keep high pressure on Aaron Rodgers
The Bills defense was on fire last week. Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy harassed Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins all afternoon. Linebackers Matt Milano and Lorenzo Alexander were a part of the act as well. The interior of the line held strong, controlling the point of attack in the trenches.
Buffalo needs to have a repeat performance, with aggressive calls from defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Much in the same realm as how the offense kept the Vikings defense off-balance, the Buffalo defense kept Cousins from finding any type of rhythm. It will be a massive challenge to this to Rodgers. However, Rodgers has limited mobility due to his injury. We’re not trying to poke the bear, but if there’s a day to play the six-time Pro Bowl selection, it would be Sunday when he may be confined to the pocket.
The special teams unit needs to put their defense in low-pressure situations
Everything seemed to go in the Bills’ favor on special teams. Aside from one punt, which rookie Ray-Ray McCloud let bounce and completely changed the field position game at the moment, the unit was flawless. Punter Corey Bojorquez nailed five of his six punts inside of the Vikings 20-yard-line. Kicker Stephen Hauschka hit both of his field goal attempts, including a 50-yard bomb.
Buffalo will need to get points in a multitude of ways against the Packers. If Rodgers and company get going on offense, it could be an offensive shootout, one which Allen has not been a part of in the NFL just yet.