The Las Vegas Raiders come into this afternoon trying to snap a two-game skid, but the Buffalo Bills are a tough draw for a team looking to steady itself. The Bills have played like one of the NFL’s best teams, which makes this matchup a rough one for Klint Kubiak’s group.
Still, there is one clear opening for Las Vegas: Buffalo’s defense has been shaky. The unit is under a new defensive coordinator in Jim Leonhard, and the Bills are still adjusting to a new scheme while trying to build chemistry. That has shown up in a few different ways, and it gives the Raiders a path if they’re sharp and aggressive.
The Raiders scored only 17 points against the New England Patriots last week, and that kind of output is unlikely to cut it here. Buffalo can score in bunches, so Las Vegas will need to make the most of every chance it gets.
Leonhard is a familiar face to the Raiders from his time as assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos. He also played defensive back for Denver in 2012, when he recorded 18 tackles and two interceptions.
The Bills have been working out of a 3-4 base defense, and that transition has created some issues with rotations. It has also helped opposing teams run the ball fairly efficiently against Buffalo.
The bigger concern, though, has been through the air. The Bills are allowing the second-most passing yards per game in the NFL.
That sets up an opportunity for Kirk Cousins if Buffalo’s secondary continues to have problems. The Bills have used both man and zone coverage this season, and if receivers are winning their matchups while the defensive backs are slow to react, Cousins should be able to find openings.
Brock Bowers is always a threat to break a game open, but this matchup could be especially favorable for him. Buffalo’s linebackers have struggled in coverage, so Kubiak may want to move Bowers into the slot or line him up in-line to exploit those spots.
Las Vegas also needs a wide receiver to make a difference, and Tre Tucker could be the one to do it. He is expected to see Christian Benford, Buffalo’s top cornerback, which gives that matchup some added intrigue.
The Raiders do not want to become the Bills’ easy fix on defense. If they’re going to have a shot at their fourth win of the season, Kubiak will need to keep pressing the issue against a Buffalo unit that has not been nearly as clean as its overall record might suggest.
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