4 biggest x-factors for the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 against the Bucs

Harrison Phillips

The Buffalo Bills got beaten pretty easily on the ground against the New England Patriots but that was not necessarily the fault of Harrison Phillips. The fourth-year defensive tackle actually had a good game and made some key plays, finishing with eight total tackles and one tackle for a loss.

This week, Phillips is once again in line to start after the team already ruled out starter Star Lotulelei, who is dealing with a toe injury. Lotulelei returned on Monday night after a three-game absence and during that stretch, it was Phillips who started in place of Lotulelei.

The former third-round pick has had an up and down career to this point with the Buffalo Bills. The 2021 season got off to a tough start as he recently said to The Buffalo News he tore his PCL during the preseason and has been working through it this year.

The Bucs have a good running back in Leonard Fournette who has had double-digit carries in eight of the last nine games. If the Bills’ defense is able to limit Fournette’s impact, it will go a long way in their success against this Bucs’ offense and Harrison Phillips will likely have a big role if they are able to do that.