The much-anticipated showdown between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills is almost here. It’s the big chance for the Jets to show they can hang with the big boys now in the AFC and especially in their division.
We went a little in-depth on the Bills heading into Monday night by chatting with Nick Wojton, our Bills Wire editor.
Do Bills fans feel this is finally the year they get over the hump? It’s been a close but no cigar over the years. Is this the year they light them up?
NW: I think they do but not so much because of the past but because of the present narratives. The Chiefs (pre-Thursday loss), Bengals, Dolphins and certainly the Jets, all have a bit of a positive feeling attached to them. They’re all teams considered to be on the rise. Meanwhile, because the Bills have been good for an extended period and don’t have a Super Bowl appearance, many feel that those outside of Buffalo are overlooking this team. The feeling in the fan base is that this will be the year because that’s something that can motivate this team.
How do the Bills navigate these first four games without Von Miller? How true are the reports in your opinion that Miller was truly close to coming off the PUP and being able to play Week 1?
NW: I’ve chatted and joked to our friend Jon Heath over at Broncos Wire since Von arrived in Buffalo. He is, sincerely, the most optimistic guy in the NFL. Miller would make you believe an 0-10 team isn’t dead. Having said that, I think Von was mostly too optimistic throughout the offseason to motivate himself. He probably was cleared for contact like he said. But there’s being in shape, then being in football shape. Him getting back on the field that fast? (He was injured on Thanksgiving) That’d be a miracle.
Having said that, big expectations for Greg Rousseau. Without Miller, Rousseau slowed down last season. Now he has Leonard Floyd across from him with Von out. That should mean Rousseau hits the ground running… should.
What’s the plan on replacing Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker?
NW: This one is almost… comical. Tyrel Dodson was Edmunds’ main backup for two seasons. It was him vs. Terrel Bernard to take that spot this summer. Bernard did not play a single snap in the preseason due to a hamstring injury.
Who won the job? Bernard. Considering that, it’s tough to really give much analysis on what to expect. We haven’t seen Bernard there. It looks like the Bills really missed on how difficult it’d be to replace Edmunds. But they did sign Christian Kirksey to their practice squad after roster cuts, so if Bernard gets roasted against the Jets, I’d bet Kirksey gets his shot sooner rather than later.
Draft fans have certainly followed him, but for those that are new, how much of a matchup nightmare is Dalton Kincaid going to be?
NW: Big time. His blocking isn’t there yet, but few rookie tight ends have that in their back pocket. Kincaid’s size is insane when you see him go up for a pass against a defensive back. But can a linebacker keep up? Or safety? It’s going to be a good year to have him on your fantasy team.
Who wins and why?
NW: This round I’m going with the Bills. I don’t homer very often (Bills Wire readers can attest to that) but I think the Jets just will need a game or two to get things fully rolling on offense. Then they’re going to be a scary team.
