Spiller, Jackson, Watkins to Challenge Patriots Defense

By Frank OLaughlin | Oct 9, 2014

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

First place will be on the line when the New England Patriots visit the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday. Buffalo’s fast start is surprising to some, but it can be attributed to several things.

The Bills, like the Patriots, boast a revamped defensive unit. They can rush the passer, stop the run and cover decently. Though it’ll be their offense which will challenge the Patriots in this Week 6 affair.

C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson compliment each other very well in the Bills backfield. The Patriots will have to thoroughly prep for both as they are capable of gashing defenses for chunks of yardage.

The Bills distribute the workload pretty evenly between the two. Spiller is the lightning. His quickness, agility and array of moves make him hard to bring down in the open field. If he’s able to explode through the front seven, look out. Buffalo head coach, Doug Morrone, likes to throw Spiller the ball as well.

In five games this season, Spiller has 215 yards rushing on 62 attempts. He’s caught 13 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.

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Jackson may be older now, but he’s still dangerous and just as effective. He’s the thunder. He runs with great strength, and like Spiller, is a threat on the ground and through the air. He’s also had success against the Patriots over the years.

The 33-year-old is averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He has tallied 201 rushing yards on 41 attempts this season. He’s also snagged 26 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown.

If New England’s front seven can disrupt the point of attack, generate a push and get in the backfield, the Bills running attack will be rendered ineffective, much like Giovani Bernard was for the Bengals.

Sammy Watkins is a major vertical threat on the outside. The Bills drafted him out of Clemson with their first-round pick this past spring. Watkins stands 6-foot-1 and possesses a large catch radius.

Watkins, 21, has 24 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns so far. He’s been drawing the attention of opposing teams top corners. Darrelle Revis will likely shadow Watkins as he did against Cincy’s A.J. Green.

Backup quarterback Kyle Orton will lead the Bills offense. E.J. Manuel was benched ahead of last week’s game. Orton is a much more accurate passer. He’ll most certainly look to get as many people involved in the passing game as possible.

Wide receivers Robert Woods and Mike Williams are solid secondary options. Tight end Scott Chandler is also reliable at times. The Patriots will have to be on their game or the Bills could steal a win similar to the way Miami did in Week 1.

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