Key element on offense one of three things that must go right for Buffalo Bills in Week 1
As a new season begins, it's finally time to see what this year's version of the Buffalo Bills will look like when the games count. It feels like an eternity since we've seen them in action. Week 1 will see the Bills host an Arizona Cardinals team that has some exciting ability on offense, topped off […]
As a new season begins, it's finally time to see what this year's version of the Buffalo Bills will look like when the games count. It feels like an eternity since we've seen them in action.
Week 1 will see the Bills host an Arizona Cardinals team that has some exciting ability on offense, topped off by the addition of fourth overall draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr at wide receiver. For the Bills to win this game, there are three keys to success.
Run the damn ball
Arizona's front seven is probably the biggest weakness on their team, and I expect the Bills to exploit it by running the ball at them early and often. Last year, the Cardinals allowed 4.7 yards per carry, tied for the second most in the league. They allowed 141 rushing first downs (second-most), 19 rushing touchdowns (fifth-most), and 44% of opponents' drives resulted in a score of some type (second-most).
Run the ball. Then run it again. Then hit a play action. Then a screen to slow them down. Then run it again.
If you love a high-flying offense, this may not be the most thrilling game in the world, but with what we saw from this offensive line during the preseason, they were finding plenty of success on the ground. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady made it clear last year that if something is working, he has no problem sticking with it. Last year's game against Dallas is the perfect example – Josh Allen was only asked to throw the ball 15 times while the offense ran it 49 times for 266 yards and three rushing scores.
I'm not saying it will be quite that heavy of a slant, but this does have the makings of a run-dominant game script where James Cook and Ray Davis could eat
Win the turnover battle
I know it's cliche, but the fact is, turnovers are a massive key to the game. In the 2023 season, the team that won the turnover margin won 71% of their games. That's compelling.
Add in the fact that Allen can't seem to shake the turnover narrative that surrounds him despite being dominant in every other facet of his game, and a clean outing without any turnovers while flying to the ball on defense would be a welcome sight for Bills Mafia.
Pass rush needs to get home
Do not treat the Cardinals passing attack like it will be an easy matchup. Kyler Murray is a proven quarterback in this league making plenty of throws, and Harrison has all the upside in the world to be a Day 1 stud at wide receiver. Add in tight end Trey McBride who poses a massive matchup problem, and complementary wide receivers in Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, and this offense is going to be capable.
Having new safeties with next to no experience next to each other heading into the regular season the back end could lead to miscommunications and chunk plays. The pass rush getting to Murray and forcing plays to break down, or better yet, piling up some sacks, would go a long way to mitigate those potential issues while the safeties get their feet under them. The front is going to need to do their job and make life difficult for Murray.
Houston Texans add fuel to the fire to Bills Mafia’s still-ongoing Stefon Diggs debate
I’m sure people will react normally to this.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
