The Buffalo Bills are looking get in the win column as they host the Arizona Cardinals in their season opener.
Buffalo begins their quest for a fifth-straight AFC East title and every game will be important. However, Arizona will be no pushover.
Every NFL team has a strong roster. As they say, the players on the other sideline are getting paid too.
But in terms of facing the Cards this week, there are a few particular things that could be a problem.
Here are three causes for concern as the Bills face the Cardinals in Week 1:
Kyler is healthy
There are many in the NFL world that question Kyler Murray’s talents. Last season he certainly did not have his best stuff.
But there’s a reason for that: Health. A knee injury took Murray out of action but now he’s back at it again. Murray only appeared in eight games in 2023 and put together a 3-5 record.
No Matt Milano against Trey McBride
The Bills will be without Matt Milano for most of the season due to a bicep injury. Milano has many talents, among the best of those is defending the pass. He is Buffalo’s best defender against opposing tight ends.
While the Cardinals did not have an overly impressive season a year ago, they still saw Trey McBride shine. He led Arizona in catches (81) and yards (825) in 2023. McBride is going to be a player the Cards want to get involved.
Stopping the run
James Conner and Emari Demercado combined for 4.98 yards per carry coming out of Arizona’s backfield in 2023. A year ago, Buffalo’s run defense was right in the middle of the NFL, allowing 110.6 yards per game (15th).
Murray’s legs might factor in here, too… but so will his arm. The Bills defense won’t be able to load the line of scrimmage to stop Conner & Co. rushing the ball which could open up holes.
Worth noting: Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones is back and healthier. He missed a chunk of time in 2023 due to a pectoral injury and he is Buffalo’s best run defender.
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