Dan Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Billions Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 1:00pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein DirecTV: 705 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 84 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: With the league's longest active playoff drought hanging over them, the Buffalo Bills are far from content with their 2-0 start. The Bills enter Sunday seeking their longest win streak since last opening 3-0 in 2011 as they host the San Diego Chargers, who won't have Ryan Mathews available for the foreseeable future. The Chargers (1-1) head into Buffalo after holding off Seattle 30-21 last Sunday, beating the reigning Super Bowl champion despite Mathews being removed on a cart in the fourth quarter. San Diego announced Monday that he had a sprained right MCL but didn't disclose the degree of the injury or how long he would be out. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chargers at Bills Video Preview Week 3 preview: Chargers at Bills NFL Week 3 viewer's guide NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Dolphins Total Yds/Game.... 337.5 333.5 Total Rush............. 153.0 76.5 Total Pass............. 184.5 257.0 Points/Game.......... 26.0 23.5 Time of Poss.......... 29.6 35.2 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 358.5 345.5 Rush Yards........... 83.0 108.5 Pass Yards........... 275.5 237.0 Points Allowed........ 15.0 19.5 Source: NFL.com Injury Report: Buffalo Billions NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Charles, Stefan DT Hip LP LP LP Probable Johnson, Randell LB Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Meeks, Jonathan S Neck Out Out Out Out Rivers, Keith LB Groin LP LP LP Doubtful Smith, Lee TE Toe FP FP FP Probable Watkins, Sammy WR Ribs FP FP FP Probable Williams, Chris G Back - LP LP Probable Woods, Robert WR Ankle LP DNP LP Probable Source: BuffaloBills.com San Diego Chargers NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Addae, Jahleel S Hamstring LP LP FP Questionable Allen, Keenan WR Groin - LP LP Questionable Attaochu, Jerry OLB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Questionable Davis, Chris CB Ankle FP FP FP Probable Flowers, Brandon CB Groin DNP FP FP Probable Freeney, Dwight OLB Non-injury related DNP FP FP Probable Gates, Antonio TE Hamstring DNP LP FP Probable Ingram, Melvin OLB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out Liuget, Corey DE Ankle FP FP FP Probable Mathews, Ryan RB Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Ohrnberger, Rich C-G Back LP DNP FP Probable Troutman, Johnnie G Back LP DNP FP Probable Source: Chargers.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Billions -2.5 Over/Under: 45.5 Source: The Linemakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: This game has me amped up. I’m not sure if it’s the 2-0 start, the good play from Manuel or the fact that they’re facing a tough opponent in the Chargers. But, I think we’ll find out a lot about our team this week. How will they fair after an emotional win last week? Can they maintain the intensity and fire on the field? Can they keep up with a high powered offense? Of course, I could be saying all that about the Chargers too. The Chargers are no doubt looking to build on the momentum from last week’s win. They’re gonna be fired up and ready to show the league that it wasn’t a fluke. But, they’re traveling across the country with several big injuries. The Billions need to bring more heat and shut them down early. It’s our time to lay claim to the league and show that Buffalo is for real. Here’s what I’m watching for this week: 1. Red Zone offense. It’s been talked about since last week. The players talked about it as a point of emphasis in practice. One TD per week just isn’t going to cut it, especially when you’re playing a team that can put up points like SD. I’m curious to see if they get more creative and less conservative near the goal line. And if they do, can they do it without making the costly turnovers? Will they finally look for Mike Williams down there? 2. Sammy Watkins. He’s got a target on his back this week. After last week’s coming out party, he’s the talk of all the pundits. I’m sure the Chargers noticed as well. This could be the first game in which an opponent is specifically game planning to shut him down. I’m really curious to see how he responds. 3. Antonio Gates. The guy is a beast! And seems to be showing little signs of slowing down. We’ve historically had a terrible time covering big TEs in the middle of the field. Who’s going to cover him? Can they keep him in check? 4. CJ Spiller on special teams. Will the Chargers kick to him? I’m guessing they’ll do all they can to keep him from touching the ball on kick offs. 5. Broncos at Seahawks. That came should be awesome with excellent story lines, great teams looking for their own validation. And after another huge win, it’s gonna be great to relax and watch another good game. Go Bills!!
BringBackFergy Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 "Sammy Watkins. He’s got a target on his back this week. After last week’s coming out party, he’s the talk of all the pundits. I’m sure the Chargers noticed as well. This could be the first game in which an opponent is specifically game planning to shut him down. I’m really curious to see how he responds." Agree with this...and would add perhaps the opponent will game plan to shut him down which opens up others such as Williams and Chandler. Go Bills!!! Great day for football!!!!!!!!
plenzmd1 Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Damn, 6.28 AM, gunna be a long 6 hours till kickoff. Here is to hoping for a great day of football and BBQ
r00tabaga Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Could not sleep last nite. Man this game is HUGE!
5 Wide Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Great day for some football. Does the weather conditions (wind and rain) favor the Bills?
Forward Progress Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 This is the Bill's biggest test so far, as the Chargers are legit. The Chargers have some tough-to-cover targets in Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates. These two are really good at creating separation and Rivers can hit them with an accurate passing attack. I've heard some arguments that since we held the Bears offence in check, that we can stop the Chargers as well. Rivers isn't likely to turn the ball over like Cutler did. This game is pretty tough to predict the outcome. Win or lose, this Bills team has shown that it shows up prepared and hungry every week. We are tough in the trenches and I don't expect us to beat ourselves. I can't wait 'til kick-off to see this game. This game is pretty important for the AFC wildcard race. If we want to be a playoff team, we need to beat playoff teams. Go BILLS!!! FP
BUFFALOKIE Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 I just checked the radar. It looks like the storms are just starting to move into Buffalo. It's a pretty big system, but it looks like it might possibly pass before game time. What is your local weatherman/lady predicting?
taterthegator Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Let's not forget Woodhead on screens. The Bears took advantage of being able to dump screens I wonder if the Chargers try the same. I also agree that offensively we could use a bit more creativity and perhaps even taking a few more chances downfield. I still believe Rivers will revert to his old ways and turn it over if he faces pressure like we can bring. Either way, isn't it fun that we are talking confidently about this game and not "let's just keep it close."?
Donald Duck Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Great day for some football. Does the weather conditions (wind and rain) favor the Bills? Yes, Bills running game will prevail Bills 34 Chargers 31 OT
cjatcreek07 Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Put pressure on rivers and control the clock with our running game and I think we get the close win! Let's go Buffalo!
26CornerBlitz Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 @buffalobills TUNE IN: Jim Kelly will narrate an ESPN video on #Bills fans just after 11 a.m. this morning http://ow.ly/BJQ0C
LeGOATski Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Latest from the NWS. Occasional showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers likely. High near 71. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Huh. Doesn't look as bad as they're making it out to be.
Donald Duck Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 yup Goat was about to make the same comment after looking ar the radar. Most of the storms are slipping north of Buffalo and it actually looks like its all clearing out.
Dan Posted September 21, 2014 Author Posted September 21, 2014 Let's not forget Woodhead on screens. The Bears took advantage of being able to dump screens I wonder if the Chargers try the same. I also agree that offensively we could use a bit more creativity and perhaps even taking a few more chances downfield. I still believe Rivers will revert to his old ways and turn it over if he faces pressure like we can bring. Either way, isn't it fun that we are talking confidently about this game and not "let's just keep it close."? Excellent point. Thanks for giving me something else to worry about! I'm sure the line is going to try and get after Rivers, let's just hope they don't forget about the screen. Otherwise, it could be a long day.
LeGOATski Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 yup Goat was about to make the same comment after looking ar the radar. Most of the storms are slipping north of Buffalo and it actually looks like its all clearing out. Actually, looking at the forecast charts, that stuff around Michigan is supposed to move over Buffalo with the low-level trough. I guess the radar is deceiving at this time. Hoping for rain.
Donald Duck Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 Actually, looking at the forecast charts, that stuff around Michigan is supposed to move over Buffalo with the low-level trough. I guess the radar is deceiving at this time. Hoping for rain. could be, we can do without lightning bolts though eh Goat
26CornerBlitz Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 @buffalobills Nigel Bradham's gameday locker.
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