Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) – The Buffalo Bills will look to get back into the win column after suffering their first loss last week when they take on the Rams in Los Angeles on “Monday Night Football”.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
Inglewood, Calif. – Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua lines up during a game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 8, 2024. Harry How – Getty Images
1.) Be stickier
The Bills’ secondary has not been nearly sticky enough. Too often, receivers for the opposing offense are finding separation and making plays down the field.
Through four games this season, the Bills defense ranks 27th in passing yards per-game given up, and 19th in passing yards per-play allowed. Opposing quarterbacks have a 103.4 passer rating against the Bills defense, which is seventh-highest in the NFL.
They simply have to be much better on the back-end Monday night when they face the reigning league MVP, Matthew Stafford, and his weapons, including Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Inglewood, Calif. – Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford waits for a snap in the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 8, 2024. Katelyn Mulcahy – Getty Images
2.) Get to Stafford early
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been getting rid of the ball quickly, averaging 2.79 seconds from snap to throw, the 10th-fastest rate in the league. He’s also thrown six interceptions, tied for second-most in the NFL heading into Week 5.
Stafford has never been a really mobile quarterback, and at 38-years-old, he’s even less likely to escape and take off when there’s pressure. He will get rid of the ball, which could force mistakes, but give him time and he’s still able to carve up a defense.
Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will need to be creative to get to him early, and not allow that to happen.
Inglewood, Calif. – Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen watches his throw in the third quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 8, 2024. Harry How – Getty Images
3.) Play smarter
The Bills need to play a smart football game, particularly on offense and specifically quarterback Josh Allen.
In last week’s loss to the New England Patriots, Allen made a couple key mistakes that led to negative plays. But he wasn’t the only one. They’ve also put the ball on the ground and committed too many penalties, and at critical times this season.
Those same kinds of mistakes will really do them in against a team like the Rams. They have to be smarter and more fundamentally sound if they want to walk out of SoFi Stadium with a victory.
NOTES AND STATS:
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