I’ll have my helping of crow please. Cheap jersey, I didn’t think there was any way the Buffalo Bills would beat the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday, especially without Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby. The idea of the Bills, coming off of two painful losses, and beating one of the NFC’s elite teams, was crazy to me.
Beating the Cardinals is a huge accomplishment, and fans should be proud this week. Wear those shirts, jerseys, and hats with that Buffalo logo on it proudly, because that was a great win over a great team.
The Bills, in the first game since Anthony Lynn took over as OC, dominated Arizona for a full 60 minutes using the formula they’ve tried to build themselves on: defense and a strong running game.
The defense was stifling. They forced Arizona to go three-and-out on it’s first five possessions. They held Carson Palmer without a passing touchdown, and sacked him five times in the process. Palmer’s last four drives of the game ended in interceptions, sealing the deal on an incredible defensive performance, a performance that has been far too rare during the Rex Ryan era.
The running game was efficient and effective. LeSean McCoy looked like the player he was in Philly, finding holes, making guys miss, showing off his crafty moves as he gashed the Cardinals for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Tyrod Taylor also showed off his unique rushing ability, picking up 76 yards and a touchdown with his legs, including a 49 yard scamper, the longest QB rush in Bills history.
It was a fun day at New Era Field, and it was a win the Bills desperately needed. 0-3, and it’s time to pack the bags and look forward to next year. 1-2, and you’ve got something to hang your hat on, and a chance to bounce back into the picture. However, you better enjoy this win while you can, because this Sunday, the Bills face their biggest test yet: New England.
The Patriots have, once again, proven themselves as the team to beat in the NFL. Even without QB Tom Brady, and TE Rob Gronkowski (for the most part), the Patriots have managed to come out of the gates firing, sitting at 3-0 with just one more Brady-less game on the schedule. QB Jimmy Garoppolo looked great as Brady’s replacement, until a shoulder injury knocked him out for the Pats week three game against Houston. Rookie QB Jacoby Brissett, a third-rounder out of NC State, helped lead the Patriots to a shutout victory over the Texans, furthering Bill Belichick’s status as one of the best coaches in the game’s history. So far, no Brady, no problem for New England.
Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is helped off the field after being injured during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Neither Garoppolo nor Brissett are at 100 percent, but both are expected to be available this Sunday against Buffalo. Even with these two backups, hobbled and all, the Patriots are still the favorite heading into this one. Few expected them to be undefeated at this point, and even less expected them to look this dominant without their Hall of Fame quarterback.
The Bills were impressive against Arizona, but it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Tyrod Taylor continued to struggle, throwing for just 119 yards and a pick. He still failed to use the middle of the field, something the Patriots are surely aware of. Simply put, the Bills have to be more effective throwing the football. They may have won without the passing game last Sunday, but that’s not a sustainable way to win in today’s NFL, especially against teams like New England.
The Bills have a chance to completely turn the tide on this season. A victory in New England is impressive no matter who is lined up behind center for them, especially given the Bills’ historic struggles in Foxboro. The Patriots will likely focus on stopping McCoy and force Taylor to beat them, a test he should be up for if he truly wants to prove he’s a franchise caliber QB. If Taylor comes out unafraid and willing to use the entire field, the Bills have a chance. If he continues to struggle, and fails to use the middle of the field, the Bills are likely leaving Foxboro 1-3, and back in desperation mode.
This is the biggest game of Taylor’s young career. A win, in Foxboro, over the undefeated Patriots is a nice addition to a resumé. Hopefully, Taylor is ready for the interview, because 2-2 sounds a whole lot better than 1-3.
.jpg "indexbanner1")
Add to cart
