Buffalo Bills Links, 10/3: Previewing the Raiders

Plus, the latest injury news and why special teams are a big reason the Bills are undefeated

By John Boccacino Oct 3, 2020, 7:00am EDT

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In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, we begin to preview the big Week 4 showdown between the Bills (3-0) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2-1) in Sin City. This game represents a great opportunity for the defense to bounce back from a poor second-half performance vs. the Los Angeles Rams.

One week after allowing unheralded running back Darrell Henderson to run wild for 114 yards and a TD on 20 carries, the Bills defensive line, in particular Harrison Phillips, Vernon Butler, Ed Oliver and even Mario Addison, will need to rise to the occasion to slow down talented running back Josh Jacobs. We also discuss how the Bills will need to generate pressure on Carr, who has a quick release, how the linebackers will have a tough task in trying to slow down talented tight end Darren Waller, and why running back Devin Singletary should be in line for a huge day against a porous Raiders run defense.

We also get the latest injury news on Oliver, Addison, and running back Zack Moss, reveal why Buffalo’s special teams unit is one of the keys to the undefeated start, address why rookie wide receiver Gabriel Davis is helping to open up Buffalo’s high-flying offense, hear from head coach Sean McDermott on what his team is doing to remain disciplined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and much more!

How will the Buffalo Bills fare against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday? | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Here are predictions from The News’ staff for Sunday’s Bills-Raiders game.

Five thoughts on Bills-Raiders: An opportunity for the defense to rebound – The Athletic
The biggest current threat to the Bills is their run defense, but they should have better luck against a depleted Raiders offensive line. (Subscription required).

X’s and O’s: Pressure key for Bills vs. quick-release QB Derek Carr | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Carr has been a little too willing to check down at times in his career, although checking down often gets a bad rap.

Here’s how the Bills can beat the Raiders to go 4-0 - Democrat & Chronicle
What the Bills need to focus on to beat Las Vegas and earn the franchise’s ninth 4-0 start

Bills Friday injury update: Ed Oliver to play, Mario Addison (knee) questionable vs. Raiders - newyorkupstate.com
Bills face the Raiders on Sunday in Las Vegas.

Addison, Moss questionable for Bills on Sunday - WGR 550
The Buffalo Bills have released their final injury report of the week and Mario Addison and Zack Moss are both listed as “questionable” for the game this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Injury Report | Zack Moss listed as questionable | Week 4 - BuffaloBills.com
One player has been ruled out and two players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.

Inside the Bills: Special teams quietly playing integral part during 3-0 start | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
The special teams has gone largely unnoticed, which is exactly how second-year coordinator Heath Farwell would prefer it.

‘A completely different quarterback’: NFL analysts, draft experts revisit Josh Allen projections | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Allen was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September. This week, an apology form for Allen’s haters began circulating on social media.

‘No one’s going to sleep on’ AFC Player of the Month Josh Allen after Bills QB’s record-breaking September - newyorkupstate.com
Allen is first NFL quarterback in history to pass for 1,000 yards, throw 10 TDs, and rush for 2 TDs in first three games of any season.

Fresno State’s rejection of Josh Allen leads a long list of mistaken coaches – The Athletic
Allen’s dream was to follow in Derek Carr’s footsteps at Fresno State, but the coaches there didn’t think he was good enough. (Subscription required).

One-on-One coverage: Jim Kelly, aka ‘Titanium Man,’ loves Bills’ offensive numbers ‘because it means success’ | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
The Buffalo News spoke with the Bills’ Hall of Fame quarterback about his thoughts on the Bills’ 3-0 start, Josh Allen’s performance and development, Kelly’s relationship with the young quarterback, and more.

Rookie Gabriel Davis has helped open up Bills offense - Democrat & Chronicle
The Bills have been able to expand their passing game because rookie wide receiver Gabriel Davis is making an immediate impact.

Gabe Davis is creating buzz on the field and in fantasy - BuffaloBills.com
Here are three things to know about the Bills for Saturday, Oct. 3.

‘Work in silence’: Bills’ Trent Murphy continues to tune out the doubters – The Athletic
Murphy, known as Captain Overprepared in Buffalo for his diverse set of skills, focused on bettering himself this offseason. (Subscription required).

COVID-19 outbreak may put Bills vs. Titans in jeopardy - Democrat & Chronicle
The Bills are scheduled to play in Tennessee on Oct. 11, but the Titans’ ongoing COVID-19 issue may force a postponement.

Sean McDermott: Titans’ Covid-19 outbreak a reminder ‘it’s still around and you can’t get too comfortable’ | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
The Bills coach acknowledges the lingering concern of a similar outbreak occurring with his team.

McDermott: Need to be disciplined when dealing with COVID-19 - WGR 550
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott says his team is trying to be “as disciplined and consistent” as they can when dealing with COVID-19 when he joined Howard Simon and Jeremy White for his weekly Buffalo Bills Football Friday appearance on WGR.

Thanks to Josh Allen, Wyoming is becoming Bills Country | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Based on geotracking of fan hashtags of more than 70,000 tweets, betonline.ag has determined that the Bills are the most popular NFL team in Wyoming.

Bills-Raiders start ‘em, sit ‘em: Beasley is FLEX-worthy - WGR 550
The Las Vegas Raiders are missing some key pieces on offense this week against a Buffalo Bills team that is getting healthier. Here are some start ‘em/sit ‘em tips with this matchup.