The Indianapolis Colts will be traveling to western New York to visit the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on Saturday as the two teams will be jumpstarting what will be a busy wild-card weekend.
Before the 1:05 p.m. ET kickoff time, we caught up with Nick Wojton, editor over at Bills Wire, to get the scoop on the Colts’ playoff opponent. We asked questions ranging from the MVP numbers of Josh Allen to the best way the Colts can exploit a weakness.
We went Behind Enemy Lines to ask Bills Wire five questions before the playoff matchup:
1. What has been the biggest factor in Josh Allen becoming an MVP candidate?
Nick Wojton: One has to tip their cap to Josh Allen himself. Over each offseason he’s worked with “QB guru” Jordan Palmer. All we’ve heard about is his changes to his mechanics. One operation he underwent was something with lasers and computer that showed him what was going wrong. In addition, we have Stefon Diggs and Brian Daboll. Both the wide receiver and offensive coordinator have put Allen in positions to improve, and frankly, win.
2. What has Stefon Diggs meant to the offense and how do the Colts stop him on Saturday?
NW: In short: Everything… In short: Can they? Seriously though, Stefon Diggs is a wide receiver the Bills have never had. Eric Moulds was probably the closest thing to him in recent memory and he’s not even on the Bills’ Ring of Honor. He can make every catch, run every route, and Diggs does something just about every game that’s impressive. In terms of stopping him, I’m not sure that can be answered. Just look at his numbers, he hasn’t been stopped at all. Teams know Allen is going to go to him and he’s still able to. My best guess is simply to double team the guy. Even then, he’ll still get his, but perhaps less.
3. What would be considered the biggest weakness for the Bills right now?
NW: Their run game, 100 percent. The Bills had one good game this season running the ball. It was vs. the Patriots in a 24-21 win. The only reason Buffalo’s offense ran it that day was because of bad weather in Buffalo (who woulda thought?). Zack Moss and Devin Singletary can be completely ignored by the Colts defense… and it’s not just on them. Buffalo’s offensive line pass protects really well, but their run blocking? Not good. Night and day, almost.
4. Who is an under-the-radar player that Colts fans should know about for the game?
NW: I always peg this selection as LB Matt Milano. Recently he just returned to 100 percent health (pectoral) and it shows. Milano is your modern-day undersized linebacker that’s all over the field. He’s a former college safety as well and that shows in his pass coverage skills.
5. Final score, prediction?
NW: It’s hard to imagine the Colts being able to keep up with Allen. I’ve kept my reservations about this team, but not only have they not slowed down, they just continue to get better. It’s really impressive. I’ll go with Bills 34, Colts 24.
Be sure to follow Nick and his staff over at Bills Wire for all of your Bills needs this weekend.
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