The Buffalo Bills are preparing for a critical showdown against the New England Patriots on Monday night. The team has made big gains this season and a win against the Patriots would mark them as official playoff contenders. Getting that done will not be easy, but a healthy roster is the first start as everyone but Karlos Williams is ready to go in Week 11.
According to ESPN's Mike Rodak, potential Rookie of the Year Williams has been out of practice due to an illness, but is expected to play in Week 11. That will be critical for the Bills who have been riding the success of the LeSean McCoy-Williams tandem this year. According to Rodak, do not expect the Bills to abandon the run game even if the Patriots jump out to a big lead. The team knows their success lies in the rushing attack as both McCoy and Williams have proven they can rip off big plays in the blink of an eye. McCoy told the media that he expects the Patriots to load the box on the Bills' dynamic rushing attack. If Williams misses the game, the pressure will be on the veteran.
"LeSean McCoy is playing very, very well right now in both the run and the passing game," said New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, via the Bills wesbite. "This guy is dynamic. He's explosive. [He's] very quick, very fast. [He] can take the ball to the edge and can cut it back on a dime. He's got a great jump-cut. His ability to make people miss in space is the best in the league."
Tyrod Taylor will have the pressure on him as he goes up against the Patriots. A solid rushing attack will be one thing while productive wide receivers will be another. Sammy Watkins is healthy and ready to go, but where does Robert Woods stand as the receiver has look rough this year with just 29 catches on the season. Woods is needed with Percy Harvin out, but the receiver told the media he is adjusting to being more of a blocking receiver than a catching one. Woods did not sound thrilled on the idea and with him and Charles clay being quiet this season, someone needs to step up and help Taylor.
"It's a new role, you know what I'm saying?" Woods said, via FOXSports.com. "I'm adapting to it. You have to swallow your pride and keep winning games. I've got a new role -- enjoying blocking now. That's my role. I'm trying to enjoy it and put guys on their back now."
Taylor is competing for a role in the future with the Bills. The quarterback started the year as third string, but has since been a dominating starter for the Bills. A win over the Patriots could secure him a role in the future as he plays in a contract season. Taylor knows that he has an expiring deal, but the quarterback told the media that is not his focus. Winning now is all he cares about which is likely making the Bills very happy. WGR Radio Host Sal CAppacio believes Taylor is the guy to be favored down the road.
"Some fans are still questioning if he's a franchise quarterback," Cappacio said, via "Armen and Levack". "The Bills think he can be and think he's showing that. Down the road, before next season, they're going to want to give him a new contract. They don't want him to go into his contract year with uncertainty surrounding him."