1. 'Motor' feels run game close to break out performance
Buffalo's run game showed noticeable improvement in Week 2 from their season opening performance against the Jets, but Devin Singletary and company feel they're capable of much better going forward.
"We're just staying locked in," Singletary said in an appearance on 'One Bills Live.' "The first game we got off to a slow start. The second game we picked it up for sure. So we've just got to keep finding ways to build upon what we've done already."
Singletary, who averaged more than five yards per carry against the Dolphins last week, believes the timing in the run game is coming together now after not having the benefit of four preseason games to ramp up to regular season ball.
"Coach did a great job trying as best as he could to give us that preseason game vibe with the scrimmage and stuff, but it's nothing like a real game," said Singletary. "We didn't have that preseason and now we're two games in, but I feel we can build on what we've done and get better."
The back they call 'Motor' thinks a break out game on the ground is going to come sooner rather than later.
"Definitely. I would say so. It's definitely going to come in time," he said. "I definitely feel like we're on our way and that big game is going to come for sure."
The L.A. Rams rank 20th in the league against the run as they're giving up 128.5 yards per game on the ground.
2. NFL Network analyst warns of Rams run game
As the Los Angeles Rams come to Buffalo for their Week 3 tilt with the Bills, NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew has a warning. Don't think the Rams are some high-flying passing attack. Their bread and butter is their run game.
After moving on from feature back Todd Gurley, and going with a committee approach of Cam Akers, Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson, the Rams are pounding out 172 rushing yards a game through the first two weeks.
"They've gotten back to what they want to be, a physical team," Jones-Drew said in an appearance on 'One Bills Live.' "They run the ball with different players, running backs, quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends. They'll run it with anybody. But it allows that offensive line to go forward. So they've gotten their rhythm back and Jared Goff is a rhythm thrower. If he gets in rhythm he can put up points in a hurry like he did last week against the Eagles. They've done a great job getting back to what made them an NFC champion a couple of years ago."
Fortunately for Buffalo they bring the third-ranked run defense into Sunday's game. If the Bills can get stops on first and second down and force some long distance situations on third down, it could force the Rams to change course on offense.
Jones-Drew sees the matchup with the Rams as a measuring stick game for Buffalo.
"I always say that you don't find out about teams until Week 3 or 4," he said. "This is when you're going to see what teams are really about, this week and next week. You'll see a separation between the good teams and the great teams and the good teams from the bad teams."
3. Pumping up Poyer
Jordan Poyer has been one of the most productive Bills defenders in the Sean McDermott era. In his three-plus seasons, the safety has logged 314 tackles, 11 interceptions, 22 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and six sacks.
It's the kind of production that's been deserving of more league-wide recognition. Bills All-Pro Tre'Davious White took up the flag for his fellow defensive back.
"A guy like Jordan Poyer is going to give everything he's got," White said. "He's going to play lights out for the defense. He's not going to make many mistakes. He's very consistent. So, each and every year, Jordan Poyer is going to have five or six picks, four or five forced fumbles, 100 tackles. He's going to be on the field each and every game. He's a reliable guy who has been very durable.
"He's a guy who has been doing it at a high level each and every year. He doesn't get the credit that he deserves, but with a guy like him it doesn't matter to him. The only thing he cares about is what his peers and what his teammates and his coaches think about him and that's the same for a lot of the guys in our locker room. Poyer is going to continue to play well for us and continue to make plays."
