The Buffalo Bills are set to begin their tough road stretch for their next three games. However, they are 3-0 and they have proven to be contenders early on this season. In the last two weeks, they look like the best team in the NFL. They aren’t just winning, they are dominating their opponents. They are outsourcing opponents 112-48 in their last three games. However, they will get a big time challenge in Week 4.
Buffalo is heading back out on the road for the next three weeks and their first stop will take place in Baltimore, where they will take on the Ravens. Not only are they at a disadvantage being away from home, but it will be under the lights on Sunday night.
The Ravens come into this game at 1-2, securing their first win in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens almost let the Cowboys come back to win, but they snuck away with the win. Now they must prepare for a tough Bills team that is rolling their way over opponents.
We had the chance to catch up with Matt Sidney, Site Expert for Ebony Bird, and were able to get a little bit of insight heading into this Week 4 matchup against the Ravens from Sidney.
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Week 4 insights
1.) What strengths will the Ravens need to utilize to defend their home turf against the Bills?
The Ravens need to keep their game plan simple. Baltimore is the best rushing team in the NFL (when they want to be) and they proved that last week against the Dallas Cowboys. They were finally able to get Derrick Henry going on the ground which allowed everyone else to eat. Lamar Jackson and Justice Hill both benefited from Henry's ground assault and for 85% of the game, the Ravens were deflating all defensive efforts made by Dallas. The Bills had a mass exodus of defensive players leave in the offseason and haven't truly been tested this season. This is where the Ravens could build upon last week's success and keep the momentum rolling. Defensively, the Ravens will need to utilize their physicality. When this defense plays physically and with purpose, it's tough to move the ball on them. Ultimately, Baltimore needs to do what it does best - establish the run and make defensive plays. If they can do that, they'll have a good chance of coming out of Week 4 with a win.
2.) Which player(s) do you believe with be the X-factor for the Ravens?
Not sure if this is cheating, but the X-factor for the Ravens has to be the defense. If we're going specific, safety Kyle Hamilton and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike need to be highlighted. Both players have All-Pro credentials attached to their names, but so far this season hasn't necessarily measured up to the billing. Bottom line is they need to play better football. The Ravens have struggled defensively this season (especially when leading) and these two need to step up against Josh Allen and the Bills this week if they want any hope to compete.
3.) What are some weaknesses that Baltimore has that could give them trouble against Buffalo?
Baltimore plays very undisciplined football. They are the most penalized team in the league and it shows late in games. Meanwhile, Buffalo commits about half of Baltimore's penalties per game (on average). Furthermore, the unforced errors and lack of awareness from Baltimore is a growing issue. They seemingly cannot for the life of them hold onto a double-digit lead going into the fourth quarter. They may be the worst closing team we've seen in a while. They will also need to steer clear of becoming one-dimensional against the Bills. Just because the running game worked against Dallas doesn't mean they should ditch the passing game. On the other side of the coin, if Baltimore ditches the ground game altogether, in favor of Lamar and the passing attack, they will struggle. Baltimore hasn't quite figured out how to get all of their stars to perform cohesively and this could be their downfall versus a disciplined and talented Buffalo Bills team.