Orton Hears a W?

Kyle Orton has only been on the Buffalo Bills for just over a month, and now he is being asked to save a fading season.  After a great 2-0 start, Buffalo has fallen back to the pack in the AFC East with two straight defeats to San Diego and Houston.  EJ Manuel has the second lowest QBR in the NFL and a mediocre 58 completion pct, leading to the switch at QB.  Orton is a ten year veteran who is now with his fifth different team.  Orton is the epitome of an average quarterback, but he brings a sense of stability to a team that really needs it.  It was becoming obvious that EJ was the one thing holding this team back from where they could go.  With Orton, expect the offense to get away from the read option that was used with Manuel.  Orton doesn't pose a threat with his legs, but his accuracy and deep ball throws are an improvement over Manuel.  

That was really the main reason for the switch as Manuel failed to get the ball to his great play makers down the field.  Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins are way to good to go a game combining for less than 50 yards.  Now the recent struggles can't be put all on EJ, I think the coaching staff needs to get better.  Last week: 44 passes and 23 runs.  Week 3: 40 passes, 22 runs.  Now that is a recipe for disaster with a young QB.  I know in the San Diego game they fell down early and they were kind of forced into passing it every down, but last week in a game that they led for much of, they avoided running even though it was working.  Establishing the run early is the biggest key today.  

The Detroit Lions are one of the most complete teams in the entire NFL.  They have always had a potent offense, but now they have the defense to back it up.  They stop the run very well, and get a lot of pressure on the QB making this look like a tough game for a young offensive line and new quarterback.  On offense, they have one of the best duo's in the league in Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson.  The run game isn't particularly great, but Reggie Bush is capable of exploding at any time.  The dangerous thing with this Lions team is that they can win in a multitude of ways.  They are built to win in a shootout, or in a grind it out low scoring game.  Being at home certainly helps too as Detroit is off to a 2-0 start at Ford Field this season.  This looks to be one of the toughest games on the Bills schedule and a lot will need to happen to pull out the win.  Here are the biggest keys to achieving that this week:

1. Don't fall behind: With a new QB, falling behind early in that raucous stadium is not good.  Get an early score, run the ball, and quiet that crowd.

2. Don't let 81 beat you: Calvin Johnson is the best wide receiver in the league and is capable of 200+ yards any given sunday.  Containing him and keeping them away from those big plays could take Stafford out of his rhythm.  

3. Jim Schwartz: Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was the Lions head coach from '09 to '13.  This is a revenge game for him and with it he brings a huge advantage for Buffalo.  Having an inside source who knows the personnel can be huge in a game with two great defenses.  

I expect the Bills to put up a huge fight against a very good team, but ultimately falling short.  Being at home, and having the better QB will make the difference.  

Detroit 24  Buffalo 17