1 - Cincinnati QB respects Bills defense
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton, is coming off a monster week. On the other side of the ball, the Buffalo Bills defense is coming off a stellar week too. Sunday's matchup should be a challenge for both units.
Dalton had his way against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. He completed 25 of 30 passes for 286 yards. The QB also added four touchdowns and no interceptions. The seven-year veteran anticipates a tougher test when Buffalo comes to town.
"They don't do a ton of stuff, it's just that they're really good at what they do. There are some areas where you prepare, and you don't know the plan half the time because they are moving around and doing different things. These guys are just sound and they are playing really well," Dalton said.
The Bills new secondary has developed an identity of being ball hawks. The team is tied for third in the NFL with six interceptions. Safety, Micah Hyde, is tied for first in the NFL with three inceptions.
"The way they are playing is tight coverage. A lot of the throws are contested. You've got to make the tough catch," Dalton said. "They're opportunistic, the ball is getting tipped in the air and they're making interceptions."
Something has to give in this Week Five matchup. Will it be the Bills defense or the Bengals QB?
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2 - Zay Jones is trusting the process**
Bills rookie receiver, Zay Jones, has gone through the typical trials and tribulations of a first-year player. The East Carolina University standout has kept a positive outlook in the first quarter of the season.
On paper, the numbers aren't there yet for Jones. He has four receptions for 57 yards in the first four weeks.
LeSean McCoy, a nine-year player in the league, has been by Jones' side through the process.
"Shady [LeSean McCoy] is one of the guys I talk to and he was like, 'Man just keep doing your thing. Everyone believes in you. Everyone's confident in you.' There is a lot of outside noise, but I really could care less," Jones said.
The ability to produce isn't a question when it comes to Jones. He recorded 399 receptions for 4,279 yards and 23 touchdowns in 49 games at ECU. His 399 receptions are the most in a career in NCAA FBS history.
"This is the National Football League. If it was easy everyone would be out there catching passes. This is not something you just roll the ball out and do, it's going to take time," Jones said. "I asked people did you know who I was my freshman year of college? Usually the response is no. It took time for me to develop and become one of the best."
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3 - Clay's performance topped all tight ends**
Charles Clay had the best receiving performance of the season for the Bills against the Atlanta Falcons. He made plays down field that have been scarce for this offense. The tight end was the best at his position throughout the league.
According to Pro Football Focus, Clay (89.5) was the highest-graded tight end in Week Four. He topped Travis Kelce (88.9), Vernon Davis (88.6), and Hunter Henry (85.6). Clay was also named to the offensive team of the week.
It can't go unnoticed that Clay is putting up numbers that are much more significant than years past. He's on pace to finish the season with 72 catches for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. That would be by far his best single season.
Quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, mentioned what's working for the duo this season.
"I would say, definitely, me going to him more in some of the one-on-one matchups and taking advantage of those," he said. "But [I] just trust him to make those plays and we've been on the same page and he's going out there and playing at a high level."
Expect to see more from Clay against the Cincinnati Bengals as Jordan Matthews is out indefinitely recovering from thumb surgery.
SOCIAL MEDIA POST OF THE DAY
Three former Bills are making an impact on the Wisconsin Football staff - Jim Leonhard (defensive coordinator), Shaud Williams (assistant strength and conditioning coach) and Ashton Youboty (quality control - defense). The trio caught up with former Bill and current CNN reporter Coy Wire last week in Madison.
