Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks: Three Keys to the Game

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills’ Week 9 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks kicks off on Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Seattle.

Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan called Monday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks a “must-win” game for the Bills. And honestly, I have to agree.

The last thing the Bills want is to enter their bye week with a losing record and a three-game losing streak.

I pointed this out last week, but if there’s one thing the Bills can hang their hats on, it’s the fact that the last time they lost a pair of games in disappointing fashion, they went on to pull off that impressive win streak, including a pair of wins against Super Bowl contenders.

This week the Bills face another Super Bowl favorite in the Seahawks.

A road matchup, in prime time, at the rowdy CenturyLink Field is a tough ask for the Bills, and Las Vegas seems to agree. A touchdown underdog might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s still going to be an uphill battle for Buffalo.

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Each week during the regular season, this column will provide the three ways the Bills can secure a victory. So, without further ado, here’s the Three Keys to the Game for the matchup against the Seahawks, which kicks off Monday at 8:30 p.m. from CenturyLink Field.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass under pressure by New England Patriots inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Take Some Shots Deep

Last season the Buffalo air attack was known for its ability to take shots downfield, and more often than not found the end zone.

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However, that hasn’t been the case this year. While Tyrod Taylor has taken a few shots, it hasn’t been nearly as frequently this season. And quite frankly, the offense needs more of these deep shots.

Taylor has one of the best arms in the NFL and considering that the Bills have trouble sustaining drives, moving the ball through the air in big chunks will help generate some momentum.

Now, I know you’re thinking, what about the Legion of Boom? Well, the Seattle secondary is struggling this season. Seattle has allowed at least 260 yards through the air and a passer rating of at least 66 in each of the last three games, and one being against Carson Palmer. Remember what the Bills did to Palmer Week 3?

No doubt the Seattle defense is still tough, but there are a couple holes these days due to some injuries.

Oh, and Percy Harvin is back in the fold and expected the play on Monday.

Harvin and Taylor have great chemistry, and the one thing Harvin immediately brings to any offense is the ability to blow the top off.

Remember Week 1 against Indianapolis last year? Good times.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby (28) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after a catch during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Take Away the Seahawks’ Passing Game

Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins and Jay Ajayi aside, the Bills have a pretty good run defense.

So, with that being said, if Buffalo can make the Seahawks one-dimensional and take away their passing game the Bills should be in good shape.

Russell Wilson has both knee and ankle injuries, which are forcing him to stay in the pocket instead of scrambling.

If there’s one pass catcher the Bills defense needs to key in on, it’s Doug Baldwin. The Seattle wide receiver is featured in this week’s Pro Football Focus’s 30 PFF stats to know for NFL Week 9.

In passes thrown Baldwin’s way, Seattle quarterbacks have a passer rating of 124.4. Believe it or not, that ranks third-best for any wide receiver this year. It’s another big week for Nickell Robey-Coleman.

“Last year, Doug Baldwin led the league in this category, but he hasn’t been catching as many touchdowns this season. He has only been targeted 21 times over the Seahawks’ last four games, but no receiver has made as many defenders miss tackles on him over that time span as Baldwin. This week he will go up against Nickell Robey-Coleman. When Robey-Coleman has been targeted, opposing quarterbacks only have a passer rating of 52.9. Something will have to give when Baldwin is targeted in Robey-Coleman’s coverage on Monday.” – Pro Football Focus

The rest of Seattle’s pass catchers – Jimmy Graham included – aren’t too much a threat. If the Bills can take away Baldwin, they’ll be able to take away the run game. Similarly, the Seahawks are a ground-and-pound offense just like Buffalo.

After shutting down LeGarrette Blount last week, the Bills shouldn’t have a problem slowing down Christine Michael and C.J. Prosise. The Seahawks desperately need Thomas Rawls back.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan looks on against the New England Patriots during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

No Dumb Penalties

Boy, it’s been a while since penalties have made my three keys, huh?

But after Sunday’s debacle, it’s completely deserved. Twelve penalties for 84 yards against the New England Patriots is not acceptable. Not to mention, it seemed like most of the penalties came at the absolute worst times.

If the Bills want to beat teams like the Patriots – with Tom Brady – and Seahawks, they can’t make stupid mistakes. A defensive holding away from the ball on third down is unacceptable. As is roughing the passer.

The Bills can beat the Seahawks, but they can’t give up first downs due to penalties, because if they do, they’ll find themselves in an all-to-similar hole.

Prediction: Bills 14, Seahawks 10

A defensive battle isn’t exactly what the NFL wants, but as a Bills fan, a win is a win.

The Bills have the talent on defense to shut down the Seattle offense, however, can Tyrod Taylor and Co. put up enough points to win? These are the types of games you want to see your franchise quarterback win.

With LeSean McCoy expected to be back in the starting lineup Monday, Taylor will get some help on offense. It might take just a couple of touchdowns to win this one, but the Bills are probably going to need to score first.