Bears vs Bills: Top Five Matchups to Watch
Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Kenjon Barner (25) runs the ball while Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) pursues during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jordan Mills vs Mario Williams
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Jordan Mills will get a rousing welcome to the 2014 NFL season. The last time Mills played, he played a series against the Green Bay Packers in the season finale on a broken foot. Mills injured the foot during warmups of all things, but tried to give it a go before leaving the game. He underwent offseason foot surgery and has been slowed throughout training camp as a result. The Bears and Mills say they were being extra cautious with Mills, who started all 16 games as a rookie. While the Bears offensive line had a resurgence in 2013, Mills was probably the weak link.
Mills will get his first action of 2014 going against former first overall draft pick, defensive end Mario Williams, who had 14 sacks and 48 hurries in 2013. That’s not a way to ease into the season for Mills. He’ll have his hands full, so don’t be surprised if he gets some help with either Matthew Mulligan or Martellus Bennett coming over to his side to chip.
2. Sammy Watkins vs Bears safeties
Aug 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) catches passes during warm-ups before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills strength is their rushing attack keyed by CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson. EJ Manual should not be able to beat the Bears through the air. The Bills used a high draft pick on Sammy Watkins to help in their passing attack. Watkins injured his ribs in the preseason, but was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and should make his NFL debut on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Bears don’t exactly know what they’re going to do at safety. When asked about it today, head coach Marc Trestman talked about rotating safeties between Ryan Mundy, Danny McCray and, assuming he’s cleared from his concussion, Chris Conte. The Bears’ revolving door at safety takes an interesting twist. Under Lovie Smith, the safety position was a bit of a revolving door week to week. Now, it’s going to be a revolving door during the game. I don’t like it and think it’s begging for more miscommunication. All it will take is a good play action fake to get the dynamic Watkins free over the top. This is a matchup I’d be looking to exploit if I were the Bills.