The Buffalo Bills once again try to prove themselves as they take on the Eagles in Week 8 but which players are the most critical to their success?
It’s difficult to imagine more people doubting a 5-1 team than the number who aren’t buying the Buffalo Bills. There’s no escaping the fact that Sean McDermott‘s team has not played a tough schedule to start the season, or that they let the lowly Dolphins hang around far too long last week. At the same time, though, they’ve won the games put before them, which is all they can do.
One way that Josh Allen and the Bills can eliminate the doubters a bit, though, is to topple the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. Yes, the Eagles are only 3-4 on the season but they remain one of the more talented rosters on paper in the league. Furthermore, they’re hungry for a victory as they claw to remain in playoff contention. A win at New Era Field over the NFC East foe would make some people believers.
Despite the level of competition, Buffalo has looked a better team than Philly through the first seven weeks. But if they’re going to beat the Eagles and prove themselves once again by moving to 6-1 on the year, these three Buffalo Bills will have to come to play on Sunday.
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3. John Brown, WR
If you were trying to pinpoint a reason why the Eagles have been such a letdown in the 2019 season, their secondary would be a good place to start. Whether banged-up or fully healthy, the Philadelphia defensive back group has been like a line in the sand trying to stop an ocean tide. It’s been one completion after another against them, highlighted by a propensity for giving up big plays.
That’s where John Brown comes in. Though the veteran speedster will likely draw a matchup with Ronald Darby for much of the game, he has proven this season to be a true deep threat. If he can find himself open down the field in this game, Brown in presented the opportunity to make some game-breaking plays against a secondary group that can’t hang with his elite physical skills.
2. Micah Hyde, S
Micah Hyde has been phenomenal for the Bills defense this season — which, in truth, makes him one of many on that unit who has been playing tremendous football in 2019. The veteran safety has done it all in Buffalo but, if the defense wants to continue to guide the way for this team, they’re going to need Hyde to be a beast once again, particularly in coverage.
Though he’s had somewhat of a down year and has not been too heavily favored by Carson Wentz, tight end Zach Ertz remains arguably the Eagles best offensive weapon. With his size and footwork, the big man is a tough matchup for anyone to draw. However, if Hyde is able to blanket him and keep physical with the tight end, Ertz could again be taken out of the game plan, which would hamstring the Philadelphia offense.
1. Josh Allen, QB
Forever and always, the Buffalo Bills go as quarterback Josh Allen goes. As he was during his rookie season, the signal-caller has flashed moments of brilliance and spliced those with moments that leave fans pulling their hair out or shaking their heads. He’s still a developmental prospect that is working on progressing as a pro player and, frankly, it shows at times.
While that may be true, the best thing Allen can do in a game like this is play within himself. He needs to unleash his big arm to try and unload some long plays against a bad secondary but he also can’t try to be a hero every time that he drops back. The second-year quarterback absolutely must keep his mistakes to a minimum and allow big plays and the defense to fuel the Bills in Week 8.