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Buffalo Bills: 3 key matchups in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers

By Steven Psihogios

Dec 13, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) rushes the passer as Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Daryl Williams (75) blocks in the second quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) rushes the passer as Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Daryl Williams (75) blocks in the second quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 28: Daryl Williams #75 of the Buffalo Bills looks to make a block during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Bills Key Matchup #1: WLB T.J. Watt vs. RT Daryl Williams

This matchup was crucial in deciding Week 14’s showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers last year, and it’ll surely be a pivotal part of Week 1’s contest.

Watt led the NFL with 15.0 sacks in 2020 and has compiled an eye-popping 42.5 sacks over the past three years, making him one of the league’s best at pressuring the quarterback. In last year’s matchup against Buffalo, however, Watt was completely stymied by Williams.

The two-time All-Pro didn’t register a single sack on any of his 64 snaps, marking just one of five games in 2020 where the linebacker didn’t record a sack. Williams only allowed one hurry in the contest and didn’t allow a single QB hit.

This duel will once again be a critical part of the game for both sides, and the result will have huge ramifications on the final result. If Williams can render Watt ineffective, this will be a massive boost for Josh Allen and the rest of Buffalo’s passing attack. If Watt has his way with Williams, it could be the catalyst for an early-season upset victory for Pittsburgh.

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