In a couple of hours, the Green Bay Packers will play the Buffalo Bills and try to win at Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first time in team history.
I don’t know why bad things have happened to the Packers the six times they’ve played Buffalo on the road. It makes no sense. The Bills are terrible, the Packers are not.
Here are five reasons why the Packers will finally put one in the win column in Buffalo:
Annoyed defense
If you think you’re annoyed that the Packers’ defense melted down in the second half against Atlanta last week, imagine how the players feel. Guys like Clay Matthews and Mike Daniels will want to nip the “here we go again” sediment in the bud before it creeps further into the defense’s mindset.
Offensive line
Buffalo’s biggest strength is its pass-rushing defensive line. Since losing to New Orleans, one of the Packers’ biggest strengths has been their offensive line. This will be the Packers biggest test up front since early season matchups against Seattle and Detroit. Things didn’t go well for the Packers o-line in those two meetings, but I think they’ve turned it around and will prove so against the Bills.
Q and RichRod
While Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb get all the hype, tight ends Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers have been coming around. Having a tight end to throw to comes in handy against a team with a strong pass rush like the Bills. That’s especially true if the Bills take away the running back checkdown like Atlanta did in the second half on Monday.
A Challenge
Only one quarterback — Tom Brady in week 6 — has passed for more than 300 yards against the Bills at home this season. Sounds like a challenge for Aaron Rodgers, one he’s more than capable of completing.
It’s the freaking Bills
C’mon. Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and Bruce Smith aren’t going to magically take the field on Sunday. The Bills are toast.
Don’t get too cocky. Remember back in 2011 when crappy Kyle Orton ruined the Packers’ undefeated season in Kansas City? His team very well could throw a wrench into the Packers’ machine of 2014 as well. Here’s how:
The usual
It’s not rocket science. The way to beat the Packers is to generate a pass rush with your front four and sit back in coverage. Actually, that’s the recipe for beating any team, but it seems especially effective against the Packers in the Rodgers/McCarthy era. Unlike most teams, the Bills have the defensive personnel to actually pull it off.
Adam Czech is a a freelance sports reporter living in the Twin Cities and a proud supporter of American corn farmers. When not working, Adam is usually writing about, thinking about or worrying about the Packers. Follow Adam on Twitter. Twitter .
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Once again, 2011 Chiefs has only one thing to worry about: passing! There wasn’t any offensive running, except Aaron! And Kyle Orton throw only one TD, rest was FGs and Chiefs won by 19-14! KC had some good defense at that time. They also dismantle Bears 10-3 and we know that 2011 Bears had pretty good D! 2011 KC has that much with today’s game as soccer has with football!
I’m sure it goes without saying but I’d expect the Packers to go to a much quicker passing game, try staying out of 3rd and 7 or longer. Rodgers is great at getting the Packers in the right play at the line. Totally agree with Adam, the defense is going to play a good game today. Matthews, Peppers, Daniels, and Perry (Yes Perry) will all have sacks and harass Orton all day. A concern for the Packers moving forward is all the blocked kicks. I swear year in and year out it’s Slocums units that are a concern. Time to take Lane Taylor off ST I’d say. One of these times it could cost the Packers a game.
For sure it was the freaking Bills as you put it. And you eat burnt toast loser writer Adam Czech, CHECK THAT! LMAO!