San Diego Chargers vs Buffalo Bills – NFL Week 14: Preview
It is interesting to note the similarity between the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for a clash this Sunday at Miami. Both the sides began with a 4-1 start after which they lost six of their next seven
games and now stand at the same position of 5-7.
Challenges lie ahead for the Chargers in securing their position in playoffs. Bills are only the first wall they would need to climb over. After this Sunday’s fixture three possible playoff contenders, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit
Lions and Oakland Raiders would pose a threat to Chargers position.
Amidst all the challenges, the good news for the San Diego is the return of Malcom Floyd. Floyd missed four games due to a hip injury and made his comeback against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Floyd scored a touchdown in
his team’s 38-14 win over the Jaguars. This victory helped end the possibility of a seventh straight defeat for the Chargers.
Phillip Rivers with 3505 yards of passing and 19 touchdowns adds to the bright spot of Chargers. Rivers in the last game could not be sacked for a single time and managed to complete 22 of 28 passes for 294 yards while scoring
three touchdowns. That impressive performance was his best this season and he would surely be looking to repeat it this Sunday. Louis Vasquez and Tyronne Green will also be out there to make Rivers more efficient and effective.
"It's been a rough six weeks. I haven't put a complete game together, but I don't care about the numbers. I just want to win." Philip Rivers said.
The Bills on the other hand are faced with a rising injury list. They will have to contend without their right back Fred Jackson who has sustained a leg injury and Kyle Williams who is out with a foot injury. Eric Wood is also
off the field with a knee injury. Adding to the Bills woes are George Wilson and Scott Chandler. Wilson with a neck injury and Chandler with an ankle injury are uncertain for the Sunday’s game.
The Bills also look for an end to their five straight losses and face a challenge from the New England Patriots who are ahead of them by four games.
Rallying against the Chargers will require a huge effort. In the past one month, their defence could only manage two turnovers. Also the Bills defence is now down to 22nd position in the league. In the past five games they have
been sacked for two times.
"It's very tough to deal with," said Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey. "We're one game better than we were last year, but it doesn't feel anywhere near like that."
Ryan Fitzpatrick has not been impressive lately. However with an average of completing 64 percent of the passes and 20 touchdowns, much can be hoped from Fitzpatrick.
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