1 They have issues at left tackle » Buffalo is working on its third left tackle this season with starter Demetrius Bell still sidelined. Now it’s Andy Levitre’s turn as he shifts over from left guard. Though he played tackle for two years at Oregon State, he’s best suited for guard. He’s a strong player. Chad Rinehart, who started four games for the Redskins in 2009, will replace him at left guard. 2
They get little pass rush »
Through six games Buffalo has recorded just four sacks; nobody has more than one, and one of their top supposed rushers, Shawne Merriman, is now on injured reserve. The Redskins say they’ve hit quarterbacks often, however, and that’s in part why the Bills have intercepted 12 passes. Buffalo insists it has improved, but it recently gave up 458 yards to the Bengals’ 22nd-ranked offense. And the Bills have allowed 34 plays of 20 yards or more. So it’s debatable. Rookie defensive end Marcell Dareus has helped improve the run defense of late. It’s a start. But the Bills miss defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who remains sidelined.
3 They’re explosive offensively » Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick works well with coach Chan Gailey. He’s a smart quarterback who gets the ball out fast, particularly when he diagnoses a mismatch. The Bills like to spread the field, and that helps running back Fred Jackson. He’s a smart runner with excellent vision. Jackson is an underrated runner who has 880 total yards of offense. He hasn’t had the best lines to run behind, either. The interesting part of their passing game: None of their top pass catchers averages more than 11.8 yards a catch. But Jackson averages 11.4 yards, a high sum for a running back.
4 Running back C.J. Spiller is now a receiver » Well, temporarily at least. With No. 2 wideout Donald Jones sidelined and Jackson playing so well, the Bills have tried to get their former No. 1 pick some action. So they’re using him at receiver. He has caught 11 passes this season but only for 55 yards — but he did have a 15-yard grab vs. the New York Giants two weeks ago.
