Eagles vs. Bills: 5 Things the Bills Must Do to Beat the Eagles

Well, it happened. Just like many experts and fans figured, the Bills had a letdown and lost to the Bengals. Make no mistake, they are improved, but they're still the Bengals. I guess that's what happens when you beat a team for the first time in eight years. I'll give them a pass.

It doesn't, however, get any easier. The "Dream Team" is coming to town, and at 1-3, they're coming in desperate. Michael Vick "appears" to be motivated. Nobody is talking about the Bills after last week, and that's what they want.

Here's what needs to happen for the Bills to walk away with a victory.

Run the Ball Early and Often

Yes, this team can come back from just about any deficit, but wouldn't it be nice not to? Start running the ball early. Control some clock and keep Vick off the field.

As bad as the Eagles have been, they're still loaded, so why let them run it up? If the offensive line can get a few holes to open for Fred Jackson, he can do the rest against a relatively small linebacking corps.

Stop LeSean McCoy

Don't let the newly found Eagle running game win.

LeSean McCoy is showing he may be better than Brian Westbrook was. Andy Reid never ran the ball this much, and McCoy is proving to be a workhorse. If the defense can hold him to a reasonable number of yards, Vick will have to go up top.

I know there are lots of weapons in the passing game, but if you stop McCoy early, Andy Reid will abandon the running game and then they won't have to worry about it. 

Don't Give Up the Big Play

These guys are all as fast as they come. Jackson, Maclin, Avant, McCoy and even Celek can run. They'll be gone before you even know they have the ball.

If there was ever a team to keep in front of you, these are the guys. Yes, they're going to get some yards in large chunks, but don't let them get long scores.This offense is not good in the red zone so far this year, so make them beat you there. 

Blitz Vick

For about the last 10 games now Vick has been terrorized by the blitz. The Eagle's offensive line was bad, even before Peters went down, so make it work even harder.

Vick has also been very susceptible to backside corner blitzes. This would be a great game for Shawne Merriman to find some of his old mojo. If they can get to him a few times, he'll start to look over his shoulder and start running way before he wants to. 

Don't Panic

In the past, I'd say they absolutely can't get behind, but this team is like "Detroit Lions Lite." The only thing the Lions have over the Bills is star power.

But this team can make up a 20-plus point deficit, and even though they lost a letdown game last week, they're confident. Ryan Fitzpatrick has the confidence of an offense that no Buffalo quarterback has had since Drew Bledsoe had it briefly when he first arrived.

If the Eagles come in blazing, which I believe they will, weather the storm and follow Fitzpatrick.