Buffalo Bills: Keys to victory in Week 15 against Denver Broncos

Buffalo Bills (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 22: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos is hit by Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins as he throws during the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on November 22, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 22: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos is hit by Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins as he throws during the second quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on November 22, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Force Drew Lock into mistakes

Drew Lock has shown plenty of positive glimpses in his short career, but unfortunately, those have been met with an equal amount of negative plays. In Lock’s 10 games this season, he has 13 interceptions and lost 2 fumbles.

The key for the Buffalo Bills defense in Week 15 will be to confuse Lock in the pocket and force him to hold onto the football. Lock is among the slowest quarterbacks in the league in regards to time spent holding the football from the time of the snap until the time of the pass attempt. This should enable the Bills’ pass rushers to get some timely sacks or even just some QB pressures. Furthermore, Lock has been at his worst this year when he is pressured, as it pushes him closer to making dumb rookie-like mistakes.

If the Bills can take advantage of Lock’s mistakes in this Week 15 matchup, it should make winning much more attainable. Lock loves to take shots deep down the field, but actually has a very low completion percentage on passes 20+ yards down the field despite having the most attempts on such passes. The Bills have been excellent at denying 20+ yard passing plays to opposing teams this season, but the Buffalo secondary needs to continue that prowess in Week 15.

Lastly, Lock has been most effective this season when passing out of play-action looks. The Bills have struggled defending the run at times this season. Therefore, the defense needs to focus on balancing their efforts defending both the pass and run in Week 15. If they overcompensate towards defending the run, it may open up too many passing lanes for Lock with play-action looks.