Bills vs. Buccaneers: 8 storylines to watch for in Week 8
Here are eight Buffalo Bills (4-3) storylines to watch for during the lead up to the team’s Week 8 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3):
Slow starts stay centerstage
If you’re tired of talking about it, imagine how the Bills feel? Slow starts have been the center of many conversations for several weeks… 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. Even if head coach Sean McDermott says he’s getting involved in the offense, he still is touting the OC week after week.
Short week
It’s a short week. The Bills and Buccaneers play on Thursday. That always becomes a topic of conversation. Can Buffalo get ready in short time? Will they be healthy?
On the positive front, it allows the Bills to forget about the loss to the Patriots a lot quicker… if they win.
Injured names to watch
As referenced, injuries go under the microscope a lot more on a short week. Players simply have less time to heal and between the two sides, it’s Tampa that has more concerns.
Starters on the injury report for the Buccaneers to watch this week include: QB Baker Mayfield (knee), WR Chris Godwin (neck), OL Matt Feiler (knee) and DT Vita Vea (groin).
The Bills, in their right, are already plenty beaten up–specifically on defense.
2018 draft throwback
Speaking of Mayfield, he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018 when the Bills selected quarterback Josh Allen. Their careers have gone in much different directions as Mayfield is now on his fourth team.
In his career, the Mayfield is only facing Buffalo for the second time. He defeated the 6-2 Bills in 2019 while with the Cleveland Browns, 19-16. The Browns entered that contest 2-6.
Kincaid's time?
Offensively, the Bills have had struggles getting others involved in the passing game that are not named Stefon Diggs. Could 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.
Plus, Kincaid’s going to be looked at a bit more in the coming days since it’s likely to be the first of many games where he’s the outright No. 1 tight end. Dawson Knox is out after having wrist surgery and there’s no timetable for his return.
Sloppy defense
Poor offense hasn’t like plagued the Bills, sloppy defense has too. Hearing “missed tackles” numerous times in the locker room after a game is not a good sign. That was the cause for Buffalo’s defense in their loss to the Patriots–and it was a highlight during the Pats’ late game-winning drive.
Clean that up.
Josh's health & keeping him standing
Allen continued to downplay a shoulder injury he’s playing through. He had some off-target throws last week and has been hesitant to run the ball this season as compared to recent years.
Similar to the slow starts, until something changes, it’s going to be a topic of conversation no matter what is said in the locker room.
What could help is better play from the offensive line. Allen has been running far too much.
Ending a slump
Let’s face it, the Bills are in a slump. They aren’t on a losing streak, but the team hasn’t look anything like very good in three-straight games. It’s going to be a talking point, again, until something changes on the field.
