Heading into the AFC division game at Orchard Park on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills remember they had a completely different game plan in mind ahead of the Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Jan. 2.
Then it happened, when Bills guard Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest in the first quarter with Cincy leading 7-3. The game was postponed before being canceled altogether as the NFL held its collective breath in the days that followed.
Fortunately, Hamlin is back in Buffalo as he continues his recovery. Both groups now have some chance of re-establishing themselves and there will likely be plenty of lessons to be learned from the minimal action in a game that was shaping up to be one of the most productive in history. normal season.
But while the first game lasted just half a quarter, Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier doesn’t need his defense to get too tangled up in the previous game plan to create confusion in a festival that will be one of a kind. Own way.
“I think you have to be careful not to dig too deep to locate this or that,” Frazier said. “Because we spent so much time before our last game, and you’re right, it’s only been 3 games. “So you have to be careful not to think about it too much, analyzing it too much. “
Conversely, the Bills’ defense has had a chance to get a close look at what the Bengals’ offense is capable of, and it’s the unit that has the most to get out of the cancellation. Cincinnati scored smoothly in its first practice, as Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow cut through Buffalo’s secondary before locating wide receiver Tyler Boyd for the game-opening touchdown.
Frazier and Buffalo’s defense have noted firsthand what many have experienced in opposition to Cincinnati’s elite offense.
“There are a lot of other things that other groups have tried, but not very successfully,” he said. “We’re going to find ways to disrupt them as much as we can. “
Still, the philosophy doesn’t change: Harass Burrow in the pocket and the rest will take care of itself.
“We’re going through having a lot of work to do to locate tactics that allow him to retain the ball,” Frazier said. “But that’s the purpose of getting him to stand his ground so we can get behind the quarterback. “
The Bills and Bengals will kick off Sunday at Highmark Stadium at p. m. AND.
You can visit Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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