Buffalo Bills: 3 Keys to victory vs. Buccaneers in Week 7

The Buffalo Bills host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in a pivotal Week 7 matchup for both teams. Three keys to victory for the home team

The 3-2 Buffalo Bills will be at home in Week 7 face the 2-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming off of their bye. Both teams are coming into the game with significant injuries. Tampa Bay starting quarterback Jameis Winston could be limited after going down with a shoulder injury last week against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Bills leading receiver Charles Clay will be out with a knee injury.

This Buffalo squad should be well rested after their bye week, and will look to improve to four wins in order to keep pace with the division-leading Patriots. The Buccaneers have had a rather disappointing start to the season, as many critics had them as a team that would take the biggest leap in the standings from last season. To this point, they’ve been unable to do so.

With both teams banged up, this game is a pivotal test. With that being said, let’s take a look at 3 keys to victory for the Bills.

3. Stop Doug Martin and the run game

It is no secret the Buccaneers have weapons on offense. The Bucs arguably have the best 1-2 punch in receiver in Mike Evans and newly signed DeSean Jackson. Evans is a big bodied wide receiver who has given teams nightmares his whole career, and Jackson is a speedy wideout who can stretch the defense. They also have Doug Martin in the backfield, who it will be key to stop.

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The Bills have been great against the run this season, as they rank seventh in the league, giving up a measly 87.6 rushing yards a game. If the Bills can shut down the Buccaneers running attack, it will force either a less-than-100-percent Winston or backup Ryan Fitzpatrick to beat them through the air. If rookie corner Tre’Davious White and the Bills secondary can shut down the Buccaneers pass catchers, look for them to have success on the defensive side of the ball on Sunday.

2. Get Production from their wide receivers

The Bills wide receivers have been disappointing this season. Newly acquired Jordan Matthews has been mediocre thus far, in addition to being injured. However, he should take the field on Sunday. As mentioned, Clay will be out several weeks with a knee injury. Therefore, the Bills will be looking for someone to step up. Rookie receiver Zay Jones has had a disappointing start to this season with a mere five catches for 66 yards.

Look for receiver Brandon Tate and tight end Nick O’Leary to have an impact against the Buccaneers. Tate had a touchdown in Week 5, and fans are looking for his big breakout game this season. Additionally, O’Leary did step up and play well when Clay went down. Given the injuries, these guys need to continue these things.

1. Establish the Run Game Early

The best way to open up the passing game in the NFL is to establish a run game early on. The Bills are going to need a big day from LeSean McCoy. McCoy has gotten off to a slow start this season, averaging only 55.8 yards a game with no touchdowns.

The stats don’t tell the whole story, if you take away his game that they won against the Broncos, where he only had 21 yards on 14 carries, his stats would look much better — but he still wouldn’t look like a star. The Buccaneers are 12th in the NFL against the run, giving up 101.8 yards a game. Moreover, the Buccaneers have one of the best defensive tackles in the league in Gerald McCoy, who can single handedly, stall an offense.

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With injuries plaguing the offense on Sunday, it will be imperative that the Bills get their run game going on Sunday. The Buccaneers have holes in their front seven that the Bills can use to their advantage. If McCoy can get back into last year’s form and find the end zone for the first time, look for the Bills offense to take off against the Buccaneers.