Know Thy Enemy: Week 1-Jets vs. Bills

Aug 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) makes a pass against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of a preseason game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

The regular season is finally just about upon us. So to, is our first regular edition of “Know Thy Enemy”. This week, we sat down with Bradley Andrews, editor of the Fansided Bills site, buffalowdown.com, for a discussion about this week’s game.  Here is what Brad had to say:

THE JET PRESS:How has Fitzpatrick looked? Are you confident in his ability to be the number one quarterback for the Bills?

BUFFALOWDOWN:It’s been kind of ugly for Fitz in the preseason. His accuracy continues to leave him at times, which has been a huge problem. That being said, I still have faith in him. He’s a good fit for the offense. He’s capable of making quick decisions. His arm is strong enough. Fitz is never going to be Aaron Rodgers, but you can win with Fitz at the NFL level

TJP: How fun is it going to be to watch Stevie go up against Revis Island? How do you think it will turn out?

BLD:Revis had mostly gotten the better of Stevie Johnson in their matchups until the second game of last season, when Stevie managed eight catches for 75 yards and a TD. Not huge numbers, but not many guys have done better than that against Revis. Stevie’s a bit unique in that he doesn’t have a ton of speed or size by NFL standards, but the man just knows how to get open. I’m sure a competitor like Revis has been chomping at the bit for this matchup, so it should be fun to watch. It’s hard to bet against Revis, but I think Johnson will make a few catches.

TJP:What about this “Wildcat” situation? Neither of our teams have showed off this year’s version of the wildcat, do you think the secrecy has helped, or is silly, the way I have commented that it is?

BLD:It’s silly. I don’t think any team has had to defend against the Wildcat more than the Bills, since they are in the same division as the Dolphins and they haven’t been able to stop the run. It’s not like they won’t be prepared. And they certainly won’t be afraid of Tebow – Buffalo’s only win in the second half of 2011 was a dominating win over Tebow’s Broncos. I could be wrong, but I actually don’t think we’ll see much wildcat/Tebow Sunday. I think Rex is saving that for a little later.

TJP:How is Mario Williams looking? Should we be worried?

BLD:If there was one highlight from a rough preseason in Buffalo, it was the D-line. And it’s not just Mario Williams. Defensive tackle Kyle Williams might be the league’s most underrated defensive player. He’s very quick and powerful and wreaks havoc on interior defensive lines. Buffalo badly missed him last season. His partner at tackle, Marcell Dareus, quietly had a very nice rookie season in 2011. And the other end is Mark Anderson, who is coming off a 10-sack season with the Patriots. This has the potential to be among the very best lines in the league.

TJP:Finally, are there any new Bills that we should be ready to watch out for? Finish with a game prediction.

BLD:Buffalo’s top two draft picks will have huge roles Sunday. CB Stephon Gilmore has impressed everyone so far, but he’ll have his hands full with Santonio Holmes in his NFL debut. Cordy Glenn will start at left tackle. He’s huge and incredibly strong, but can he move his feet well enough to play left tackle at the NFL level? There’s no doubt that the Rex Ryan blitz-happy defense will provide a real test.

As far a prediction goes, I’ll go 20-17 Jets. The Jets have been ragged on so much this preseason I think they’ll come out motivated. I don’t trust Buffalo’s linebackers, and if they can’t stop the run it’ll be a long day for the Bills. Let’s hope I’m wrong, though!

Thanks again to Brad for his time, check out buffalodown.com for all things Buffalo Bills.