I’m not going to say this is must win, but it’s pretty close, especially for the Buccaneers playoff viability. I don’t remember if I ever wrote this, but in this three game stretch, I think the Bills are the weakest opponent. Now, please note that weakest opponent does not mean they aren’t a strong team. But compared to the Patriots and Rams, I think they aren’t as strong, if only barely.
With that said, they will be facing the best QB out of all these teams. Josh Allen despite a down year for him, is still very much capable of taking a game over. Something he will probably have to do. The Bills receiving core has not been especially strong this year. They will be getting Gabe Davis back, but it seems like they’ve benched Keon Coleman for Mecole Hardman. Every FSU fan is weeping at this development.
However, the Bills do have two capable guys that can run it. Allen and James Cook. Cook already has 7 TDs on the season, so the Buccaneers will have their hands full keeping him contained. As weird as it might seem to say, the Bucs’ run defense has been good. It just doesn’t feel like it because when it lets go, it’s a biblical flood. They have had the weirdest propensity to stuff running backs and then allow 60 yard runs. I don’t get it. But if they don’t let that happen, it will go a long way to winning this game. The secondary is good enough to stop the damage through the air. The d-line just has to be sharp.
On offense, I can only write they have to stay in rhythm in so many different ways. I’m getting really sick of it. Baker as of late has just missed on too many throws. He wasn’t awful last game, but he definitely left some stuff on the board. Grizzard also hasn’t been at his best either. I think the Bills defense will put a lot of focus into covering Emeka Egbuka. What I hope that means is guys like Tez and Otton get a chance to show out. Otton had a very good game last week, and I would like to see that continue.
The line also has to play better, especially from how they ended the Patriots game. I want more of a commitment to the running game. Rachaad and Tucker both had good games last week, but it didn’t feel like we were interested in using them, especially late. Baker is at his best when he has a run game to complement him.
I do not like their chances against the Rams next week. Facing MVP candidate Matthew Stafford in primetime just feels like a loss already. Therefore, to avoid an 0-3 skid, a win here would be crucial. If the Bucs’ run defense just hangs on and the Bucs offense just moves the chain consistently, they can pull out an upset win in Buffalo.
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