Raiders Rivals: A look at the Buffalo Bills offense
The Oakland Raiders take on the Buffalo Bills in Oakland this weekend and as always, to prepare you for the game we will take a look at both sides of the ball for Buffalo. Up first, the offensive preview and some key stats to know:
25.5 ppg (8th)
339.9 ypg (19th)
157.4 rushing yards per game (1st)
195.1 passing yards per game (32nd)
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In Rex Ryan’s defense-first mindset, the Bills offense operates perfectly. Ryan prefers pounding opposing defenses into submission with a run-heavy, unrelenting offense. Occasionally, he will allow a pass to fly. Surprisingly, the Bills when passing will go downfield with their passes, never shying away from the big play.
QB: Tyrod Taylor is an intriguing study as a quarterback. No passer that started every game threw less passes (313 attempts). Yet, he is not an Alex Smith type. He manages the game from a moving pocket. His completion percentage is below average (61.7). However, Taylor’s strong arm and speed make him a difficult assignment. While he’ll scramble on designed runs (439 yards, 6.3 average, 5 TD), the strength of his throws vertically should be underestimated. When passing, Taylor prefers to attack the deep portion of the defense. Unfortunately, this is a major red flag for Oakland, who don’t employ any speedy corners.
RB: The running game is the backbone of the Bills’ offense. The heart and soul of the ground game is LeSean McCoy. When healthy, there are few back with the agility and explosion. McCoy is a cutback runner that thrives in open space. Tacklers appear to have a bead on him and he’s suddenly not there. Normally, quick-footed backs will struggle with dancing too much and not make sharp decisions. McCoy makes his mind up and streaks. The Raiders’ linebackers need to be crisper in their pursuit. Bad angles and sloppy technique will lead to thirty-yard gains. McCoy is also a threat out of the backfield, grabbing 28 passes,
WR: Believe it or not, Sammy Watkins is only 23 years old. The Buffalo receiver is a perfect blend of route-running and long speed that will stretch the defense. His only flaw is the inability to stay healthy in the past two seasons. When right, Watkins challenges corners with fluidity and explosion. Netting nearly sixteen yards per catch in the NFL is extraordinary. The question remains, who covers him? As a Chief, Sean Smith could not stay with Watkins, being torched frequently. Amerson is more agile, his status for the game is up in the air. Reggie Nelson’s lack of range hurts them.
Robert Woods is the sure handed compliment to Watkins. His 11.7 yards per catch scream possession receiver, which fits this offense. Woods is a superior route runner, nimble out of his breaks and does what the offense requires him to do. He will not dash past any Raiders, but nestle around the first down marker.
Normally, three receivers aren’t spotlighted. Marquise Goodwin serves an exception. Goodwin is an Olympic track and field athlete. However, he is a football player with track skills, not vice versa. While fast, Goodwin is not drop-prone. He has zero drops in forty-four targets in 2016. His job is to force the secondary to expand their coverage. Like Brandin Cooks and more recently, Ted Ginn, he is a problem for slow secondary. Critics will say that his route tree is limited. Who cares? If he gets open and Taylor spots him on a go, he will not be caught.
TE: Charles Clay is not a huge part of the offense normally. This is a Norton defense, which means his role will increased. Clay finds soft spots to sit down in, but has enough burst to push the seam. It’s odd dedicating space to a tight end that averages less than nine yards per catch, yet Malcolm Smith still starts.
OL: The Bills offensive line is responsible for the top rushing offense in the NFL (157.4). The left side of the line is particularly remarkable.
LT Cordy Glenn is a monstrously sized tackle (344 pounds) that employs a power based approach supported by deceptive nimbleness on perimeter running plays. Glenn blunts most bull rush attempts and will slide his feet to meet an outside rush. The flaw in his game is predictable. For a player of his frame, Glenn has a slow, almost robotic punch. Defenders can see it coming and rapidly adjust. Khalil Mack is a better fit on this side, due to his strength and diverse repertoire. As the game progresses, Glenn loses effectiveness. His arms begin to drop and his pad level continues to rise.
LG Richie Incognito is an awful human being. We all know why.
Setting that aside, Incognito is regarded as one of the better interior linemen in the NFL. Why? Incognito is a mauler that enjoys the close quarters combat between the tackles. His strength allows him to win one on one versus many tackles, clearing lanes. Yet, his persona seeps into his blocking. The Raiders tackle rotation must avoid retaliation penalties, as Incognito shows a penchant for rule breaking.
The upside of Incognito playing is the desired effect on Jihad Ward. The Raiders have waited for Ward to unleash the aggression to match his talents. This is Game 12, it’s time. Incognito is the kind of guard that Ward may need to finally turn the light on for him. Osemele tried to ignite the fire within the rookie. Ward needs an opponent to anger him. I am not advocating violence or penalties of any measure. Ward needs that one opponent to push too far.
The Bills provide a stout test for Oakland. Their reliance on the running game will test the Raiders front seven. Their wide receivers’ ability to run vertically is a scary proposition for the Raiders secondary. Stopping the Buffalo run game forces Tyrod Taylor to throw. That is where the game is won for Oakland.
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