Statement Game for Bills Against Chiefs: Where are the Naysayers at?
Writer: Alex James
@AlexxJamess91
Editor: Brandon Caputo
@Caputz13_AGM
Photo Credit: billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills made a statement to the rest of the NFL on Sunday night rolling into KC and handing out a big whooping to the former AFC Champions. While the game was much longer than anticipated, the ending was made that much sweeter as Buffalo came out on top 38-20, sending shockwaves across America.
Of course, Bills Mafia always knew this was possible and now the rest of the NFL knows this too; the Bills are the real deal, are real contenders, and a wrecking force on both sides of the ball.
Photo Credit: Google.ca
The Bills made major improvements to key areas of their game against Kansas City on Sunday night. They were 2-3 in the red-zone, a drastic improvement from being 3-7 the previous week. The defence had 4 turnovers against the explosive Chiefs offence, coming at critical times during the game.
The offence had no turnovers, and looked in unison throughout the game with both the run & pass game looking like championship caliber football.
With the win, the Bills improved to 4-1 on the season, two games ahead of the Patriots for first in the AFC East. The team is travelling south to Nashville for a Monday night clash against the (3-2) Titans, a team leading the AFC South and coming off a win against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Statistics provided by: ESPN.com
The major key to this game for Buffalo is limiting the Titans ground attack which ranks 3rd in the NFL and led by Derrick Henry who is averaging over 125 yards per game. Henry is a game-changer and once he gets rolling he is tough to contain. However, the Bills defence is currently ranked 3rd against the rush this season, only allowing an average of 78 yards per game. This matchup is critical for both teams and whoever wins it, will more than likely go on to win this game.
Video Courtesy of: nfl stories on Youtube via NFL
Another factor the Bills will need to be weary of is the health of Julio Jones & AJ Brown. Both were practicing as of Thursday and will add deep-ball/wide threats against the Bills should they play. Jones is leading the Titans in receiving yards (averaging 17 per catch) despite only playing in 3 games this season. Brown has gotten off to a slower start then we’re use to seeing, however a breakout game is imminent and hopefully the Bills defence makes that not happen for another week.
Provided By: Statmuse.com
Lastly, “discipline” is something that can be talked about, as the Bills racked up over 100 yards in penalties on Sunday night. However, MANY (and I mean many) of those flags were questionable at best, and luckily the Bills were dominate enough to where it didn’t hinder the flow of the game.
But, sooner or later that many penalties will become a factor in winning a tight game, and lessening these individual/team errors is necessary to be Super Bowl contenders.
Stats provided by: footballdb.com
The only injury concern as of Friday, is Matt Milano still being questionable with his hamstring injury for which he missed the Chiefs game. He is practicing lightly, so we can be hopeful he might be ready to roll on Monday night. Kickoff is slated for 8:15 p.m in Nashville, in what will be a crisp fall night with temperatures dropping below 50 degrees.
If the Bills execute their game plan and limit Henry’s impact on the ground, the Bills can expect another double-digit win and can improve to 5-1 on the season. However, as we all know, ’miracles’ have taken place in the Music City before, especially against the Bills so nothing is ever guaranteed.
Bills Fans Invade Nashville
Photo Credit: fansofbuffalo.com
Prediction:
Bills - 31
Titans - 17
Circle The Wagons,
Alex James
(Analytics/Statistics from www.espn.com & http://www.footballdb.com )