Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders: Three Keys to the Game
By DJ Eberle
Ground and pound
I know this is a pretty blatant key to kick off the preview, but hear me out.
The Raiders are allowing 116 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry this season. Each of those statistics ranks in the bottom seven of the league. Aside from Khalil Mack, who is a major difference maker, the Oakland defense can be had.
If the Bills are going to win this game, LeSean McCoy is going to have to run them to a victory. And Tyrod Taylor’s legs must play a role too.
McCoy’s breakaway ability was a highlight in this week’s edition of 30 PFF Stats to know for NFL Week 13 over at Pro Football Focus. The veteran running back has a breakaway percentage of 50.7, which ranks to the top among running backs.
"Of LeSean McCoy’s 815 rushing yards, 413 have come on plays where he gained chunks of 15 or more yards (16 carries). In a road game against one of the hottest teams in the NFL, the Bills will need some big plays—McCoy has proven to be the kind of back that can get them. – Pro Football Focus"
It’s also worth noting that in the five games the Bills have run the football for more yards than they’ve thrown it, they’ve came away with victories in each.
Bills have had more rush yds than pass yds in 5 of 11 games. won all 5 (Ariz, LA, SF, Cincy, Jax)
— Howard Simon (@hsimon62) December 1, 2016
Not only will a successful run game give the Bills’ their best shot at taking down the Raiders on Sunday, but it will keep Derek Carr and a dangerous offense off the field as well.
The Raiders have one of the league’s top offenses, and one that can score at will, coming in fifth in points and sixth in yards. With some lingering injuries along its defense, it would be best if the Buffalo offense could keep its defense off of the field as much as possible.