Why Robert Woods Is Buffalo Bills' Most Underrated Player Through Six Weeks

The Buffalo Bills just can't seem to figure out Tom Brady. In a battle for first place in the AFC East, the Bills let Brady rack up 361 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-22 win in Week 6. Bills miscues had as much to do with the loss as Brady, as the Bills turned the ball over three times and committed eight penalties for 107 yards.

Were some of the penalties questionable? Maybe, but you still can't turn the ball over three times and expect to beat Brady. More often than not, he's going to make you pay.

Even though the Bills lost, they didn't look completely outmatched like they have in past games against New England. Scott Chandler had a big day with six catches for 105 yards. Aside from his one interception, Kyle Orton looked sharp, tossing two touchdowns on 299 yards passing.

A lot of players for the Bills have been getting attention this year. The defensive line is stout, Sammy Watkins has looked electric at times and Orton and EJ Manuel have been the subject of considerable discussion. But one player has flown under the radar amid everything going on with the Bills. 

Between Watkins and now Mike Williams garnering so much ink (or web space now), wide receiver Robert Woods doesn't get the credit he deserves. With Watkins traveling to Revis Island on Sunday, Woods had one of his best games as a pro, catching seven balls for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Even if he doesn't make an impact on the stat sheet, Woods consistently makes his presence felt. The reason? Woods has an attitude and toughness about him, which will be a theme here throughout.

He Can Make the Tough Catches

Watkins may get all the attention for catches with a high degree of difficulty, but Woods makes tough catches. He can snag the ball in traffic, take a big hit and continue fighting for extra yards.

Want a recent example? Look no further than the two-point conversion against the Patriots. Woods catches the ball between two defenders, takes a hit and holds on. When he gets up, he has words for Revis, none of which we can assume have anything to do with Woods inviting Revis over for dinner.

"

I'm still kinda salty about this tho, love how the ref looks right at it then turns his head immediately https://t.co/ATFP8KvwY4

— Matt (@MRoyXX) October 13, 2014"

For another instance of Woods giving up his body, think all the way back to Week 1 against the Bears. Late in the game, Woods has to jump and then hang in the air to bring in a high throw from Manuel. When he comes down, Woods take a shot to the helmet and shakes it off like nothing happened.

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Watkins may get all the attention for his circus catches, but Woods is just as reliable to bring in a tough one.

He Gives the Team Some Attitude

It may not always manifest itself in the best ways, but Woods plays every game with a chip on his shoulder. His temper did get the better of him once last year when he got ejected for throwing a punch at a Miami Dolphins player.  

However, usually Woods uses his toughness in a positive manner. Despite his size, Woods likes to get involved in the run game. He always tries to finish his blocks.

No team wants their players getting in fights on the field. But teams do want players who play with heart and will have the backs of their teammates. Woods is one of those players.

Sometimes, though, Woods' emotions can get the best of him. Manuel missed Woods on a few plays against the Houston Texans, and Woods was visibly frustrated on the field.

It's not the best idea to show up your quarterback like that, but it has to be frustrating to work hard to get open and then have your quarterback struggle to get you the ball. And Woods can usually get open, as he was against the Texans and again against New England.

Other players on the Bills offense (Watkins, Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller) may get more attention than Woods. But Woods is as reliable as any of them. If other teams continue to focus their attention elsewhere, it's only a matter of time before Woods makes them pay regularly.