Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills: Packers’ Keys to Victory
Nov 9, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Kansas City beats Buffalo 17 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
1. Survive the Buffalo Bills’ D-Line
If the Buffalo Bills are going to win on Sunday, they’ll need to do so by creating havoc in the Green Bay Packers’ backfield with their elite defensive line. This poses a threat to the Packers not just due to the Bills’ abilities, but due to Aaron Rodgers‘ tendency to hold on to the football for extended periods of time as he searches downfield.
Buffalo’s defensive line will be critical because it could allow them to pressure Aaron Rodgers without blitzing linebackers. When opposing defenses have rushed linebackers or members of their secondary on Rodgers, he has picked them apart with ease. The Bills may be able to create comparable levels of pressure while still leaving ample personnel in coverage, which is a very unique challenge for the Packers.
Along the Bills’ D-Line, Mario Williams (12), Marcell Dareus (10) and Jerry Hughes (9.5) all rank in the top-12 for sacks in the NFL this season. This is where the Bills’ dominance truly shows itself, as double-teaming one of these pass-rush options only opens the door further for the next man up.
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The matchup I will be watching involves none of those three, however. 31-year old Kyle Williams will be matched up across from Rookie C Corey Linsley for much of the afternoon, providing a huge test to a young player who has surprised everyone with an incredible start to his young career. Williams has 5.0 sacks on the season, and is stronger than a bull. Keeping the interior of the Offensive Line secure will be absolutely critical to a Packers victory.
To help limit the impact that the Bills D-Line has on the game, look for Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers to use a quick-hitting pass game early on Sunday, including several screen plays. Chipping away at the front seven with heavy doses of Eddie Lacy and James Starks will help as well, and don’t be surprised to see one of those two in the backfield as insurance against the pass-rush when Green Bay plays from the shotgun.