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

Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Levi Wallace (39) signals fourth down during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Levi Wallace (39) signals fourth down during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Harrison Phillips, Buffalo Bills (Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports) /

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.