Buffalo’s Week 13 opponent an enigma

By Connor Byrne  |   Friday, November 30, 2007  |  Comments( 47 )

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It's safe to say this weekend's game between the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins will be difficult to predict. Both teams are 5-6, with Buffalo hanging by a thread in the AFC wild-card picture. If the Bills drop another game, they're likely out of contention. Playing in the weaker NFC, meanwhile, the Redskins might be able to sneak into the postseason if they lose one more time and finish 9-7, but that's far from a sure thing.

Despite the teams' similarities on paper, there are some other extenuating circumstances entering Sunday. Of course, weighing heavily on the players' minds is the death of former Redskins star safety Sean Taylor, who was murdered during a home invasion earlier this week. Taylor, whose five interceptions still lead the current 'Skins, has been the No. 1 issue in Washington (and around the NFL) since Monday, when he was shot. Prior to this Sunday's game, the Redskins will hold a tribute to Taylor at FedEx Field, which will no doubt bring about a great deal of emotion for his ex-teammates.

On the other hand, Buffalo -- given what it went through with tight end Kevin Everett and his near-death experience in Week 1 -- certainly feels for the Redskins.

"He's probably one of my best teammates I've ever had," said Bills guard Derrick Dockery, who played with Taylor in Washington from 2004 to 2006.

Further, Bills wide receiver Roscoe Parrish was Taylor's teammate at the University of Miami, while tight end Robert Royal and cornerback Jerametrius Butler also played with Taylor in Washington.

Although saddened by the death of Taylor, the Bills realize they have some issues of their own to deal with -- and they're in a must-win situation.

Offensively, they'll be missing their top two running backs -- Marshawn Lynch and Anthony Thomas (both of whom are injured) -- which means third- and fourth-string rushers Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright will see all of Buffalo's carries. Jackson and Wright are both rookies, and they have combined for just 35 rushing attempts this year.

Further, the team is starting a rookie quarterback in Trent Edwards; although he was impressive in earlier starts this year, the promising Edwards' lack of experience might come back to haunt him against the Redskins' defense and its respected coordinator, Gregg Williams, whose group is ranked 13th in the league against the pass. (Naturally, Taylor contributed to that above-average ranking.)

Defensively, the Bills' injury list keeps piling up. Already without numerous starters throughout the year, they'll be missing left end Chris Kelsay, who injured his ankle during a 36-14 loss in Jacksonville last Sunday. Without Kelsay, the Bills will be down to primarily a three-man end rotation comprised of the ultra-disappointing Aaron Schobel and reserves Ryan Denney and Anthony Hargrove. The Bills currently have the fewest sacks in the league (10), so missing a lineman who might apply some pressure isn't a good thing; it just means Redskins QB Jason Campbell, a high-potential signalcaller, will have more time to throw.

Injuries have defined the Bills' season since opening day, so what they're dealing with this week is really nothing new. On the other hand, it's truly anyone's guess which Redskins will show up. There's a decent chance they won't mentally check into this game because of what happened to Taylor, who was close to many players on the team, including running back Clinton Portis.

"I stay out of the locker room," said Portis, Taylor's longtime friend. "My locker is next to his."

Earlier this week, none of Washington's coaches or players were even ready to discuss football, which obviously doesn't bode well for Sunday. If the Redskins' heads are in it, also a possibility, Buffalo's chances of keeping its slim playoff dreams alive won't be very good. Why, you ask? Because an inspired bunch that's playing in front of its home crowd -- one which desperately wants to cheer away its sorrows for three hours -- is hardly the team the banged-up, youth-overrun Bills would like to face right now; instead, what they need is a victory to restore some confidence after humiliating losses to New England and Jacksonville.

"We're definitely going to go out there and win hard and especially win for him [Taylor]," said Redskins defensive end Andre Carter.

America, aside from its Bills fans, will be rooting for Carter and the Redskins to deliver a superhuman effort this Sunday, that's for sure.

Prediction (season record: 11-0) - Bills 17, Redskins 13.
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CommentsComments: 47  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
florida dennis		10:25 AM
11/30/2007
Keep your pick streak perfect!! I think fast Freddie is going to be ok. Its TE that worries me. Bills need a win bad! go bills.
No.2
Alan		10:28 AM
11/30/2007
This is definately going to be a tough game this weekend obviously with what has happened in recent days will have an impact. I...
No.3
hondo		11:03 AM
11/30/2007
Connor accurately writes that "injuries have defined the Bills' season." I just read A-Train may be out for the rest of the...
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