Bills editor explains Matt Milano’s importance and Josh Allen’s development
By Matt Conner
The Buffalo Bills can’t quite seem to get over the hurdle in front of them known as the Kansas City Chiefs. Last year, they failed on attempts in both the regular season and the postseason, and even before that, they’ve never been all that successful since Andy Reid arrived in K.C.
This year’s edition of the Bills, however, has turned heads around the league. They’ve shut out two of their first four opponents and they rank among the league’s very best offenses and defenses—perhaps the league’s best and most balanced team through four games. There are questions about the level of competition they’ve faced, but the results are impressive all the same.
Now, however, the Bills have another chance in another season to finally get over the hump. In order to understand more about the team’s Week 5 opponent, we reached out to Bills editor Brandon Croce from our sister site BuffaLowDown to tell us more about this year’s roster, Josh Allen’s first quarter, and the importance of Matt Milano.
Given the way both games turned out last year for the Bills against the Chiefs, what’s the confidence level coming into this game for the fan base?
Excitement is off the chart but confidence I think is lagging a little behind. The belief is that the Buffalo Bills are talented enough to play with the Kansas City Chiefs but they haven’t been able to show it the past couple of meetings. The hope is that the Bills can play to the level they do against other teams, because really the Chiefs are that measuring stick. Fans know if they want to get to a Super Bowl, they have to go through Kansas City.
What are the biggest difference makers in terms of new faces?
On the offensive side of the ball, it has to be Emmanuel Sanders who after a quiet Week 1 has been a big part of this offense and probably surpassed Cole Beasley as the number two option. On the defensive side of the ball it is defensive end Greg Rousseau, who has been a pleasant surprise as the first round pick has made his presence known early this season and already become a starter.
Another player to watch is someone who isn’t necessarily a new face but a player who is back after missing last season. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei opted out of the season due to the pandemic but has come back looking great. He has been a force against the run but showing some impressive pass rushing production with two sacks already through four games. He is another player to watch in this game.