5 things to watch for in Bills at Bengals | Sunday Night Football…

5 things to watch for in Bills at Bengals | Sunday Night Football…

1. Top-Notch Passing Offense Sunday night’s matchup will showcase two highly effective passing offenses. Despite a challenging start to the season, the Bengals have been performing well recently, winning three of their last four games. This improved play coincides with QB Joe Burrow’s return to full health after a preseason calf injury. Notably, the Bengals have shown a significant increase in big-play ability, producing eight explosive plays in their recent win against San Francisco. Both Joe Burrow and Josh Allen rank among the top three quarterbacks in the NFL in terms of passing touchdowns since 2021, including playoffs, and they continue to excel in this regard. Allen and Burrow also have impressive connections with their top wide receivers, with Allen and Stefon Diggs having 22 downfield touchdown passes since 2021, and Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase with 21.
2. Adjusting to the Bengals’ Defense The Bills’ offensive strategy last week allowed them to find an early rhythm, gaining nearly 250 yards in the first half with a fast-paced, no-huddle approach. However, this week’s challenge is different, as the Bengals employ a defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, known for his ability to present new and unexpected defensive schemes each week. Anarumo effectively neutralized San Francisco’s potent offense in their previous game, and he is expected to use multiple formations and disguise coverages against the Bills. Josh Allen and the Bills will need to be patient and adapt to the Bengals’ ever-changing defense. Utilizing perimeter screens could be a part of the strategy to counter the Bengals’ defensive tactics.
3. Contrasting Defenses in 2023 Cincinnati’s defense has excelled in generating interceptions and holds the lead in the AFC for turnover differential. In comparison, Buffalo’s defense has been making more splash plays, ranking high in tackles for loss, sacks, and quarterback knockdowns. Buffalo has the advantage of having its veteran safety duo, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, back in action, while Cincinnati has a younger safety tandem with Dax Hill and Nick Scott. Despite these differences, both defenses have their strengths, and Joe Burrow notes that Buffalo’s defense remains true to its foundation.
4. Potential Use of Dime Package The Bills experimented with a dime package to replace linebacker Matt Milano, who is likely out for the regular season, against Tampa Bay, using it on 38 percent of defensive snaps. This strategy involved bringing in Taylor Rapp and moving Poyer or Hyde closer to the line of scrimmage. It provided a different look for offenses and helped in pass coverage. Whether the Bills will use this package against Cincinnati remains uncertain, as it may be effective against a team like the Bengals, known for using 11 personnel and RPO formations. However, it could also leave the defense light in the box.
5. Impact of New Arrivals The Bills have made additions to their roster, particularly on the defensive side. They acquired cornerback Rasul Douglas in a trade with the Green Bay Packers and signed veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Both players joined the team late in the week, and their availability for the upcoming game is uncertain. Douglas has a strong track record of interceptions, while Joseph is expected to bolster the run defense. Running back Leonard Fournette has also joined the practice squad but will require some time to adapt to the Bills’ passing concepts. Their participation in Sunday night’s game is still to be determined.