Buffalo Bills vs Oakland Raiders: Three Keys to the Game
By DJ Eberle
![ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Joe Webb #14 of the Buffalo Bills slaps hands with the crowd during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: Joe Webb #14 of the Buffalo Bills slaps hands with the crowd during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e20cb126cff29a6d14ea189b1078f0f24b2718f93e7a2405a3e894ccaaa217e8.jpg)
Force Oakland to Beat You on the Ground
The Raiders’ rushing attack didn’t scare anyone that much with Marshawn Lynch in the lineup.
It hasn’t even been that good with Lynch this season. But with the former Bill suspended this weekend, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard don’t move the needle.
While Washington is nothing special, Richard is dangerous out of the backfield in the passing game. Buffalo’s going to need their linebackers and safeties to step up their games in coverage.
#Raiders key players in their upcoming matchup with Buffalo, including RB Jalen Richard#OAKvsBUF #RaiderNationhttps://t.co/UiKqhTuumY pic.twitter.com/0QEF3ghcvn
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) October 28, 2017
Without Lynch, Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper are the only two offensive weapons, besides Derek Carr, that have the potential to give Buffalo nightmares. Especially with E.J. Gaines out.
This is a big game for Shareece Wright. He’s had all week to prepare himself for the possibility of facing Oakland’s talented wideouts.
#DefendOurDirt pic.twitter.com/UQIQxL7qc3
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 25, 2017
Tre’Davious White is going need to continue his All-Pro-like play on Sunday with Wright likely to get the extra help from the safeties.
If Jordan Poyer ends up missing Sunday’s game Trae Elston will take his spot in the starting lineup and will also play a factor in the defense’s ability to stop the Raiders’ passing attack.
Slowing down the Oakland’s air raid provides the easiest path to success for the Bills’ defense.