The Buffalo Bills come to Lambeau Field for the Packers' home opener on Sunday at noon. Expectations are not very high for the Bills this season in a strong AFC East division, but there are a number of talented players on their roster that can cause problems for the Packers this Sunday.
Packers' offense vs. Bills' defense: Packers' playcalling
Not surprisingly, one major issue will be how Brandon Jackson adapts to the role of the starting running back with Ryan Grant out for the season. However, I think the adjustments in the passing game will be even more important against the Bills this week. Will the offense take a more Eagles-like approach with lots of short passes? Frankly, I think that would be the best plan moving forward, since Jackson isn't really a prototypical Packers back. Add in the fact that the Bills have a very talented secondary that is improved with the return of safety Jairus Byrd, and the passing game will be the bigger factor here. Corners Leodis McKelvin and Terrence McGee are very good, so I would expect to see a number of slants and routes over the middle to minimize their effectiveness on the outside.
Bills' offense vs. Packers' defense: Three-headed rushing attackI feel bad for Lee Evans. He's been playing for a struggling Bills team his whole career with no solid quarterbacks to get him the ball. Frankly, I fear Trent Edwards about as much as I fear a kennel full of puppies. You might get nipped a little bit once in a while, but they won't be able to do any real damage. However, the Bills have one of the deepest stables of running backs in the league, with C.J. Spiller, Marshawn Lynch, and Fred Jackson. The two veterans have each had a few productive NFL seasons, while Spiller has game-breaking speed and was one of the best college backs last year. It should be interesting to see how head coach Chan Gailey uses them together and whether they can be effective against the Packers' linebackers and thin defensive line.
Bills' player to watch: C.J. Spiller
Spiller has the potential and the tools to be as explosive as Chris Johnson in Tennessee. He's a great receiver out of the backfield or from the slot, and can cause matchup problems all over the field.
Packers' player to watch: Brandon Jackson
Could it really be anyone else this week?