Bills vs. Buccaneers: 7 things to watch for during Week 8’s matchup
The Buffalo Bills (4-3) continue their regular season journey at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.
Once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind.
Here are seven things to watch for during Thursday’s Bills-Bucs matchup:
How do the Bills start?
Slow starts have been the center of many conversations revolving around the Bills. With good reason because Buffalo’s offense doesn’t do much in the first half as of late.
Western New York has begun questioning offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, but his job doesn’t really feel to be in jeopardy. Same with head coach Sean McDermott.
Regardless, everyone will be watching what happens out of the gate.
Who starts at linebacker?
The Bills started rookie third-round pick Dorian Williams at linebacker next to Terrel Bernard last week. Williams was then benched for Tyrel Dodson in the second quarter and played the remainder of the contest.
McDermott said “we’ll see” when asked this week who will start…. so, let’s see.
Kincaid's wake-up call?
Offensively, the Bills have had struggles getting others involved in the passing game that are not named Stefon Diggs. First-round rookie Dalton Kincaid be the answer.
Kincaid had a career-high eight catches for 75 yards last week in New England. Those numbers led Buffalo.
With the struggles that have followed seemingly everyone else on offense, and with Dawson Knox out after having wrist surgery, could the Bills feed Kincaid against the Bucs?
A few beaten up QBs
It appears both 2018 first-round quarterbacks–Josh Allen (shoulder) and Baker Mayfield (knee)–are trending toward starting for their respective teams. Both will look forward to a few extra days off after Thursday… but before then, who seems to be held back more because injury? This will put a spotlight on both offensive lines, too.
Can the Bills tackle better?
Sloppy defense plagued the Bills last week on defense. Hearing “missed tackles” numerous times in the locker room after a game is never a good sign. That was the case for Buffalo’s defense in their loss to the Patriots throughout the contest.
Top turnover teams
Buffalo has 14 takeaways through seven games, which is second-best in the NFL. But they’re only a plus-three in turnover differential.
Tampa doesn’t take the ball away often, but they’re clean with it. They lead the NFL in differential at plus-seven.
This will likely play a part on the final score.
Get after the QB
Furthering on the offensive line discussion, getting after the opposing quarterback is the name of the game for NFL defenses. Here we have two teams to watch in this category.
The Bills are second in the entire league in sacks with 25–Buffalo only had one last week in New England and will want to improve there.
Meanwhile, Tampa only has 16 sacks, however, they blitz a lot, 39.3 percent of the time, fourth-most in the league. Buffalo’s offensive line has struggled with the blitz in recent weeks as well.
All-in-all, the trenches will be intriguing battle when both offenses are on the field at Highmark Stadium.
