The Buffalo Bills know they were very fortunate to get out of Nashville with a win over the Titans. Missing key starters LeSean McCoy, Sammy Watkins and Karlos Williams, the offense was completely stymied until Tyrod Taylor took matters into his own hands and yes, feet. Now with the undefeated Bengals coming to town the Bills know they will need a full lineup to upset the Bengals.
Sammy Watkins was close to suiting up against Tennessee so his appearance this week will be expected. Taylor could use Watkins to spread the field and loosen up the coverage underneath.
Karlos Williams is going through the concussion protocol, but expectations are the rookie running back should be available as well.
The wildcard is LeSean McCoy. The flashy back has stated that he will not play until 100% and national reports have him out as long as four to five weeks. McCoy has already missed games against the Giants and Titans and those earlier reports would have him out against Cincinnati as well. My sense is LeSean McCoy will be in the lineup come Sunday against the Bengals.
The Bills know that catching the red-hot Patriots for a Divisional title is a long shot. No one has come close to stopping New England’s offense and barring a Brady injury it doesn’t look like anyone will.
The Bills need to think about a wildcard berth and to beat Cincinnati it will take all the weapons Tyrod Taylor has available, especially McCoy.
The run game has struggled against both the Giants and the Titans. Greg Roman’s scheme thrives on varied formations and plenty of screen passes. That’s tough to do with running backs who have had limited practice time in a Bills uniform like Dan Heron or even Boobie Dixon, who missed most of camp.
LeSean McCoy may not be 100%, but news that Tyrod Taylor has played hurt the entire first month puts the pressure on the highly paid back to suit up. In fact, Taylor’s ability to play this Sunday may even be in doubt after again injuring the knee and ankle against Tennessee.
A win over Cincinnati would give the Bills important tie-breaker points in the AFC down the road. To get it done Buffalo needs all men on-board, starting with McCoy. That’s what I expect to happen come Sunday at the Ralph.
Filed under: Koshinski's Korner
Tagged with: Buffalo Bills, Karlos Williams, LeSean McCoy, Tyrod Taylor
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