Denver Broncos: Key individual matchups against the Buffalo Bills

Matchups: Pat Shurmur against the Buffalo Defense

The Buffalo Bills defense rank in the middle of the road defensively but has 21 turnovers thus far on the season (12 interceptions and 9 fumbles), providing the Broncos with several difficult matchups.

The Bills are anchored by their secondary, lead by Tre’Davious White, a Pro-Bowl corner. However, it is key for the Broncos to be safe with the ball regardless of who they throw at.

Just ask Ben Roethlisberger. He was intercepted twice last week versus the Bills, and neither one was from White. Levi Wallace has played tremendously over the last month at the other cornerback spot, and the offense should take note of his play.

Additionally, the defensive line plays with a lot of energy and has talent throughout. They were able to get Big Ben down to the ground often and made him uncomfortable throughout the game.

Pat Shurmur has seemed to get his feel for what his young offense likes to do. Last week’s performance was an example of the evolution of his play-calling and connection with Drew Lock.

As the Bills run predominantly in a Cover-3 zone concept, the Broncos will need to take advantage of opportunities like this Lock to Jerry Jeudy play from last Sunday.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1338201727598661632

How the passing game performs this week will provide the team with hope or show that this group still has a long way to go before we can get overly excited for 2021. Lock’s growth over the last month should give Broncos fans some hope going into this week as there will be plays to be made.

Additionally, the Broncos’ offensive line played well last week with three starters out (Garett Bolles, Graham Glasgow, and Demar Dotson). Calvin Anderson (filling in for Bolles), Netane Muti (Glasgow), and Elijah Wilkinson (Dotson) played tremendously last week as Lock had time throughout the contest.

If the Broncos face man coverage, Lock must take advantage and get his playmakers the ball, just like this throw to Tim Patrick against the Chiefs.

Shurmur must encourage the offense to stay on schedule by trusting his playmakers like K.J. Hamler to make plays on short-to-intermediate routes. If Lock can continue his strong play against a tough matchup, the Broncos’ offense can do some damage.

However, what will make-or-break this matchup will be the Broncos’ ability to run the ball. The team does not need to dominate in the run game but must be effective as they have been against the Miami Dolphins, Chiefs, and Panthers over the last month.

Shurmur must keep the run game a priority and feed Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay enough to keep the Bills honest.

Who knows, they may break a run and get themselves some cheap points. The Bills give up over 4.6 yards per rush, so there will be opportunities. Shurmur must keep the rhythm he has over the last few games to win this matchup.