Improve pass defense in the middle of the field
After giving up eight receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown to Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki, the Bills will be faced with a similar task in Week 3. The Rams love to use their tight ends Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett. Last week, Higbee picked up where he left off from last season as he racked up 5 receptions for 54 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Rams are very consistent with their personnel packages, typically lining up with tight splits in either 11 or 12 personnel. 11 personnel is identified with one running back, one tight end, and three receivers, while 12 personnel is when the offense lines up with one running back, two tight ends, and two receivers. The tight formations that the Rams use enable a lot of pre-snap motion and ability for receivers to rub their defenders into each other on beautifully designed route combinations.
The frequency of the Rams overlapping crossing routes combined with the questionable health of the Bills starting linebackers is cause for concern. Although both Milano and Edmunds have practiced this week, their status for the game will likely be revealed close to game time.
How the Buffalo Bills defend the middle of the field in the passing game should coincide with the number of points the Rams scored on the Bills defense in Week 3. Additionally, with the depth of this Rams pass-catching unit, expect them to attack Levi Wallace, as he posted some poor game film after his Week 2 performance.