How do the Bills grab a road win over the Seahawks? 4 keys to victory


1 Get ready for the Seattle D-line. Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott says that every week, NFL games are won in the trenches. When he looks at Seattle, he sees clear reason to make sure the Bills’ offensive line is being great with its technique. “You talk about their defensive line, they’ve got some guys that can flat-out rush the passer, and I’m very impressed by the tape,” McDermott said Wednesday.

Quarterback Josh Allen is aware and ready. “Their D-line is playing very, very solid defense,” Allen said. “A tough team to run against. They’ve been a high-effort group. They’ve been making plays, so we’re going to have our hands full.” Seattle has allowed 5.4 yards per play, ranking 19th in the NFL.

2 But don’t let them stop the run. Even if the Seattle defensive line is strong, the team’s run defense leaves quite a bit to be desired. The Seahawks have allowed 1,023 rushing yards this season – fourth-worst in the NFL. They’re allowing teams 5.0 yards a carry, and they’ve given up nine runs of 20 or more yards. The Bills, meanwhile, are continuing to find ways to use all three of their running backs. “Our line’s opening up the holes for (our running backs), as well,” Allen said. “It’s vital for our offense in terms of being able to move guys, create running lanes, our play-action game is very much predicated on how well we can run the ball.”

3 Control the air. The Seahawks boast the No. 1 passing offense in the league at 271 yards per game. Seattle quarterback Geno Smith is slinging it, and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has the team shifting formations before the snap to keep opposing defenses in flux. “Obviously, they can do a lot,” Bills safety Taylor Rapp said of the Seahawks. “They show a lot of different things, and it’s just about neutralizing them and limiting explosives.”

One of those explosive players is wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is doubtful with a knee injury. But even without Metcalf, Smith can connect with his remaining receivers in tight windows. The Bills defense needs to limit explosive plays and make Smith work hard to move the Seahawks down the field.

4 Block out the noise. Seattle is loud. Like, loud loud. Rapp, who spent four seasons with the NFC West-rival Los Angeles Rams, recalls why Lumen Field is one of the most electric settings in the league. “The 12s can get rocking in there. … There’s no atmosphere like it,” Rapp said. “So, that’s something that we look forward to. We love going into a hostile environment. And that’s what we live for.” If that volume gets players revved up, they’ll need to work extra-hard to make sure their communication is top-notch. A week of preparation for the Seahawks-specific game plan and weeks of chemistry building for general play help. Now, the Bills need to stay on the same page when the crowd noise surges.
 
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