The first place Buffalo Bills head down to Charlotte this week to play the Carolina Panthers. Here are three areas the team will need to excel in to get a road win.
Here are three areas the #Bills need to focus on in order to beat the #Panthers this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/SaAvm9mu9G
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) September 15, 2017
Passing Game
Last week, against the New York Jets, Tyrod Taylor had a game that looked like most of his games in the three years he’s been in Buffalo. He tallied 224 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 28 passing attempts. Of those 28 attempts, only 8 went to wide receivers. Nineteen of his targets went to tight ends and running backs, the same guys who will be covered by Carolina’s best defenders on Sunday.
Defensive Line
Part of the excitment of Sean McDermott has been the return of the 4-3 defense and it’s positive effects on the defensive line. The overall unit performed pretty well on Sunday, limiting the Jets to 38 yards running and only 187 yards passing.
One note to pay attention to is Marcell Dareus’ playing time. Of the four starters, Dareus played the least amount of snaps. McDermott was not concerned with this, but after Dareus was sent home in the preseason it is certainly interesting.
Secondary
The Bills completely revamped their defensive secondary this offseason. Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, and E.J. Gaines had a great first game replacing the likes of Ronald Darby, Stephon Gilmore, Corey Graham, and Aaron Williams.
Last week was against the Jets though, who have one of, if not the, worst receiving corp and quarterback combos in the NFL. The Panthers don’t have an elite receiving corp, but it is much better than the Jets and Cam Newton is their quarterback.