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3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Cardinals in Week 1

nick wojton
·2 min read
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (2) reacts after making a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (2) reacts after making a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills will hope to add a win to their record in 2024 in Week 1. The team will host the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium.

As usual, it will never be a walk in the park in the NFL. If the Bills expect to beat the Cardinals, there will be few key things Buffalo will have to focus on against Arizona.

It will have to be a full-team effort, make no mistake. But these factors could weigh heavy on whether or not Buffalo sends Arizona home with a win or loss.

Here are three keys to the Bills pulling out a victory against the Cards:

Play clean

Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to throw the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to throw the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

We're looking at you, Josh.

We're also not here to say he's overrated by any means. But Allen does turn the ball over. In his last two season openers, he tossed five interceptions combined. That's why Buffalo was upset by the New York Jets.

On a positive: This game is at home and those two were not. Always a big boost for the Bills.

Attack Kyler

Nov 10, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA;Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA;Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bills offense and starters barely got any playing time in the preseason (in part due to weather), the Cardinals' first teamers got even less, including quarterback Kyler Murray. They did not play a single snap.

To each their own, but Murray was held to only eight games in 2023 due to injury. He has not played for a long while. Buffalo defensive coordinator Bobby Babich should get getting the green light to put Murray under pressure early and often.

Lean on Khalil

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills avoids the tackle attempt of Josh Blackwell #39 of the Chicago Bears during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills avoids the tackle attempt of Josh Blackwell #39 of the Chicago Bears during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)

It's simple. The only wide receiver to catch a pass from Allen in the regular season on the Bills roster? Khalil Shakir. Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady should be looking to jump on that Shakir wagon while the chemistry with other wideouts is built up.

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This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Cardinals in Week 1