CARDINALS (1-1) VS. BILLS (0-2)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, NEW ERA FIELD, ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 709
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin
Fueled by QB three touchdown passes and five takeaways by its defense, Arizona bounced back nicely from its season-opening upset loss to the New England Patriots and thrashed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-7. “There was too much holding your breath (in the opener),” coach said. “I thought we cut it loose today.” Fourth-year CB replaced rookie early in the first quarter and responded with two interceptions — including a 60-yard pick-six — seven tackles and three pass breakups. Arizona picked off QB Jameis Winston four times and recovered a fumble. The turnovers resulted in 17 points as Arizona built a 24-0 halftime lead. Second-year RB was limited to 45 rushing yards on 12 carries but caught three passes for 98 yards.
About the Bills: The morning after losing their second consecutive game — 37-31 to the New York Jets on Thursday night — the Bills fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and replaced him with assistant head coach/running backs coach Coach
said the decision was made by him and not owners who reportedly were embarrassed by the Bills’ performance. The timing of the move seemed strange because the offense had performed well enough to win, with 21 points coming on three touchdown passes by QB It was the defense that played poorly, allowing the Jets to accumulate 493 yards, including 374 passing yards by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Lynn is Ryan’s fifth offensive coordinator in his last six seasons as a head coach.
Buffalo cover corners and had rough nights defending the Jets’ tall receivers as Eric Decker (126 yards), Brandon Marshall (101 yards) and Quincy Enunwa (92 yards) consistently won their one-on-one matchups. Gilmore and Darby will face a similar chal-
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
lenge against physically imposing Fitzgerald (6-3, 218 pounds) and Floyd (6-2, 220).
After a solid first season as a starter, Taylor has been inconsistent in 2016. He did throw TD passes of 84 and 71 yards against the Jets but struggled to sustain drives. Four of Buffalo’s 10 possessions were three-and-outs. Four other series lasted six plays or fewer. In Week 1, he was even worse, as the Bills recorded their lowest yardage total in 10 seasons.
Since the start of last season, the Cardinals have scored 40 or more points five times and returned five interceptions for touchdowns, both tops in the NFL during that span.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Get more from RB LeSean McCoy: With WR Sammy Watkins dealing with foot pain from offseason surgery, it’s imperative the Bills get more out of McCoy. Through two games, he’s averaging 3.8 yards per carry and 5.4 yards per reception with one touchdown. He expects to be utilized more by Lynn.
2. Keep feeding Johnson: The Cardinals’ third-round pick out of Northern Iowa in 2015, Johnson has emerged as a versatile, big-play running back. He is one of two backs who has recorded at least 120 yards rushing and 120 yards receiving this season.
3. The Palmer Method: The 36-year-old continues to be a model of consistency and the ideal quarterback for the Cardinals. He has thrown five TDs and zero interceptions for a 113.5 passer rating.
Scott Pitoniak