The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets face off in a big primetime divisional game, but running back LeSean McCoy is vital to the success of the visiting Bills.
The Buffalo Bills will kick off Week 9 in the NFL with a divisional matchup on Thursday night against the New York Jets. The Bills are coming off a huge win in week eight against the Oakland Raiders, which saw them improve their record to 5-2. The Jets are coming off a tough loss at home to the Atlanta Falcons, dropping their record to 3-5.
Both teams came into the season with low expectations, and you could say both teams are exceeding their potential on the field. The Bills entered the season in “rebuild” mode, with a new head coach and general manager, and many believed it would take a year before this team found their identity.
The Jets were expected to be the worst team in football due to their lack of talent on the roster. However the Jets have played every team hard, and Todd Bowles has done a terrific job with this group.
Divisional games are usually hard fought, close games, and I expect nothing less on Thursday night. These two teams usually play each other tough. Both play similar style games, hard nose defense and ground and pound offense.
For the Bills to succeed on Thursday night, they need to rely heavily on LeSean McCoy. The nine-year veteran is coming off one of his best games as a Bill, running for 151 yards on 27 carries and one touchdown.
The past two weeks, the Bills have relied heavily on McCoy, and in return he has provided the offensive boost the Bills needed. With Charles Clay still rehabbing his injury and Jordan Matthews at less than 100 percent, it has been difficult for Tyrod Taylor to get the passing game in full gear. The Bills offense has given McCoy 61 touches in the last two games, which has paid dividends for the Bills.
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New York’s run defense has struggled this season. They are ranked 27th in the league, allowing 128.2 rushing yards a game. They have struggled to contain running backs all season, and if McCoy and the Bills can take advantage their run defense, they should be able to leave New York with a win.