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The New York Giants face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Lots of questions about the Bills. Do they like Rex Ryan in Western NY? Is Tyrod Taylor for real? Do Bills fans really see the Giants as a patsy? Let's turn to Brian Galliford of SB Nation's Buffalo Rumblings for some answers.
Ed: Rex Ryan's act got tired w/the Jets. What are your thoughts about Ryan thus far? Are people in Buffalo happy to have him coaching the Bills?
Brian: Ryan is very popular right now. It helps that the team is 2-1, even though he was once again outclassed by Bill Belichick in Week 2. His kind of act, I think, only ever tires out if you're not a fan of the team he coaches -- or if you are, if said team is not winning enough. His popularity will remain high as long as the Bills keep playing games like they did against Indianapolis and Miami.
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Ed: Give us the low down on Tyrod Taylor. The guy has, obviously, been terrific the first three weeks. Can he keep it up? Do you believe he is the real deal?
Brian: Taylor has had a lot of help so far. Buffalo's rushing offense is performing well, and their defense has, save for Week 2, been excellent. The offensive line is playing better than expected, and Taylor has one of the most talented groups of skill players in the league. He has looked good in a controlled-situation offense that moves the pocket and is catching defenses off-guard with scheme right now. That last part is going to change eventually, so the next big hurdle for Taylor will be remaining efficient and productive when opponents have a better handle on Greg Roman's play-calling. Taylor has, however, done nearly everything right so far.
Ed: Most of the commentary coming from much of the Buffalo media, and your own commenters at 'Rumblings,' seem to indicate the belief that the Giants are an easy "W" for the Bills. I will remind everyone that the Giants, flawed as they are, could easily be 3-0. Is this game really seen in Western New York as an easy win for the Bills?
Brian: I have to imagine at least some of the rhetoric you reference is coming from people channeling their inner Rex. Anyone that has seen the Giants play this season is singing a far different tune, I assure you -- this should be an excellent game between what looks like two pretty good football teams. It sounds like the Bills will be playing without three key starters (LeSean McCoy, Sammy Watkins, and Aaron Williams), which would be a big blow for the home team. In no way, shape, or form should Bills observers be taking this Giants game lightly
Ed: If you could take one player NOT NAMED ODELL BECKHAM JR. off the Giants' roster and put him in the Bills' lineup who would it be? Why?
Brian: Well, that's too easy: Eli Manning. Put any competent quarterback on this roster and the Bills are legitimate contenders in the AFC. Manning knows a thing or two about besting Tom Brady and the Patriots in big games, too. Heck, I'd take Eli over Beckham 100 times out of 100. Give me the quarterback.
Ed: Who are some of the lesser-known Bills players Giants fans should be aware of on Sunday?
Brian:
- Rookie running back Karlos Williams, the NFL's leader at 7.8 yards per rush with three touchdowns, will start in the likely event that McCoy sits.
- Chris Hogan (you may know him as "7-11" if you're a Hard Knocks fan) will see an uptick in playing time next to Percy Harvin and Robert Woods if Watkins sits out.
- People know the Bills' big-name, big-money defensive linemen, but rotational defensive tackle Corbin Bryant is having an outstanding season thus far, as well.
- Bacarri Rambo, who used to play for Washington, will start for a second straight game if Aaron Williams (neck) can't play.
Thanks to Brian for the time, and the insight. Play nice when you visit with the folks over at Buffalo Rumblings.