Bills face tough test in Ravens

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.— If the new-look Buffalo Bills intend to shed their losing reputation, Mario Williams figures beating the defending champion Baltimore Ravens would be a good place to start.

“Having this coaching staff and all the new faces, that’s our mentality,” the defensive end said, with the Ravens hitting town Sunday.

“In order for us to make that valid, we have to go out and win.”

It might be easier said than done for the Bills (1-2), who haven’t enjoyed a winning season since 2004, and have gone 13 seasons without a playoff berth.

Four weeks in, they’re showing telltale signs of inconsistency following a tumultuous off-season in which they went through a top-to-bottom overhaul, including the hiring of new coach Doug Marrone.

At least they’ve been competitive. All of Buffalo’s first three games were decided in the fourth quarter, including two in the final five seconds.

The Ravens (2-1) went through their share of changes this off-season, particularly on a defence that lost veteran standouts Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

And yet, they have numerous key pieces in place on both sides of the ball to once again contend.

Bouncing back from a seasonopening 49-27 loss at Denver, the Ravens have not allowed a touchdown over the past eight quarters. And their Joe Flacco-led offence has so far managed to overcome injuries to running back Ray Rice (hip) and receiver Jacoby Jones (knee).