Game-day details
Sun., 1 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Partly sunny. High: 91. Low: 73.
Why To Watch
Are you ready for some defense? The Bills were the NFL's best-kept secret last season, when they were second overall in total defense. The Buccaneers are beginning to show their age, but remain formidable -- just ask the Vikings.
Teams built on defense often like to develop a power running attack, and Willis McGahee of the Bills and the Bucs' Carnell Williams are bellwether backs. McGahee and Williams will be relied on to carry their team's offense. But both quarterbacks must step up, too. Brian Griese has done it before for the Bucs. J.P. Losman shows signs he can get it done.
Bills Keys For Success
1. Exploit the interior of the defense. With superior size and strength at the point of attack, the offense will use power runs between the tackles. McGahee gets to the line quickly and is a breakaway threat every time he touches the ball. A consistent and effective running game will give Losman a chance to control the tempo and create high-percentage passing opportunities.
2. Stretch the field. Wide receivers Eric Moulds and Lee Evans create mismatches when isolated on cornerbacks and will get separation. They run excellent routes and have the speed to go deep. The Bills must strike deep to spread the defense. That will open running lanes at the second level and help maintain a balanced attack. Balance is essential to lighten Losman's load.
3. Win on special teams. The potential for superiority is there, but players must execute against the Bucs' aggressive units. Return specialist Terrence McGee is top notch. Kicker Rian Lindell was outstanding in Week 1 and comes off his best season. This should be a low-scoring game, so field position and field goals will be key to the outcome.
Buccaneers Keys For Success
1. Establish an inside running game. Williams won't have a lot of room at the line of scrimmage so he must power through creases and find cutback lanes against aggressive pursuing linebackers. His ability to make yards will force the Bills to put more defenders close to the line, freeing receivers to run crossing routes that are key to Jon Gruden's ball-control passing scheme.
2. Gain yards after the catch. Griese likes to throw underneath coverage, using short crossing routes to wide receivers, tight ends and backs. The team's West Coast scheme depends upon timing and precision to hit the receivers in stride so they can turn upfield. Getting yards after the catch is vital to this ball-control system.
3. Pressure Losman. How? Flush him out of the pocket. Look for multiple blitz packages involving just about anybody coming from all over the field to keep Losman from throwing long. Losman has a strong arm and quick release but lacks experience and patience. He will throw into coverage when pressured or tuck the ball and try to make plays with his athleticism. Either way he will fall into a trap intended to produce turnover opportunities.
Injuries at a glance
Bills injuries
No injuries reported
Buccaneers injuries
No injuries reported
The Bottom Line
Since we expect few points to be scored, the team that best establishes its running game and offensive balance will win. The Bills defense is younger, faster and stronger than its Bucs counterpart. McGahee will showcase his running ability, and defense and special teams will carry the Bills in a battle of field position.
i went on a position by position basis and evaluated the matchup of the bucs o and the bills d, and i see a draw/advantage for the bills at every position. i think we'll be golden on D. i'm hoping our O doesn't turn it over... and we should be good.
once again, we'll win for a few reasons, but one in particular
we're the underdogs...never bet against the Bucs when they're the home dogs
not to mention the #1 pass defense will hammer Losman all game, he'll have a QB rating probably under 60, and theres a good chance he'll get knocked out of the game at one point or another
Originally posted by tregrimmd@Sep 13th '05 @ 12:02 pm once again, we'll win for a few reasons, but one in particular
we're the underdogs...never bet against the Bucs when they're the home dogs
not to mention the #1 pass defense will hammer Losman all game, he'll have a QB rating probably under 60, and theres a good chance he'll get knocked out of the game at one point or another
Bucs roll to a 2-0 start, 17-13
actually, miami had the #1 pass defense last year
tampa bay #2
and buffalo #3
you think buffalo's #3 defense is going to take it easy on griese?
we had more interceptions and less passing touchdowns allowed than TB, with a significantly better QB rating allowed, also
This game will answer a lot of questions for both teams...
For the Bucs
#1 Is the Bucs patchwork offensive line going to be better than last year...
#2 How good will Caddy be at trying to pick up blocks (Bills have crazy pass rush)
#3 How good our receiving corps really is... (Lots of local hype)
#4 How well Griese will do under constant pressure.
For the Bills
#1 How J.P. will handle pressure
#2 How well the offense can move the football against an aggressive defense.
#3 How good the communication is between J.P. and his receivers...
#4 How well the offensive unit performs under pressure...
If one offense can rise up and find ways to move the ball effectively against either of these two defenses it will be a huge confidence booster that should last for weeks to come...
Originally posted by bizell@Sep 13th '05 @ 10:14 am actually, miami had the #1 pass defense last year
tampa bay #2
and buffalo #3
Bucs had the number 1 pass defense.. allowing 2579 yards through the air, Miami allowed 2592.
I see the Bucs taking this one really, it's just that homefield advantage and the vast difference between experience of both QBs. Oh! And... the Bucs are 5-2 lifetime against the Bills... but Gruden is 0-3 in his home openers, hopefully that streak ends.
__________________
“I was a risk 11 years ago, now I’m a prototype.” - Derrick Brooks on draft critics about his size.
Originally posted by CrAsH_oVeRdRiVe@Sep 13th '05 @ 5:31 pm Bucs had the number 1 pass defense.. allowing 2579 yards through the air, Miami allowed 2592.
Bills vs Buccaneers
Where a mod when you need them. 
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