The Buffalo Bills have dropped two of their last three games, hurting their chances of winning the AFC East and putting the focus on simply securing a playoff spot. Their next opportunity to stabilize things comes in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the loss to the Houston Texans, right tackle Spencer Brown suffered a shoulder injury. He tried to continue playing but was eventually replaced by Ryan Van Demark. After the game, Brown was seen in a sling, raising serious doubt about his availability for the Steelers matchup. Since Brown has been one of Buffalo’s most reliable linemen, his absence would be especially concerning with Pittsburgh on deck.
T.J. Watt usually rushes from the side facing the right tackle, which means Van Demark would likely see a heavy dose of him if Brown can’t go. Former Bills lineman Eric Wood, speaking on “One Bills Live,” said Buffalo would need to give Van Demark plenty of help against Watt. That could include using chips from tight ends or backs, sliding protections his way, and getting assistance from the right guard. Wood stressed that while Van Demark will inevitably have to win some one-on-one reps against Watt, the Bills should avoid leaving him alone in that matchup repeatedly.
There is still a chance Brown could suit up, but current signs point toward Van Demark starting. Pittsburgh’s defense hasn’t been as dominant overall this season and has relied heavily on turnovers, but Watt remains a game-changing threat on every snap. Regardless of who starts at right tackle, the Bills will have to account for him constantly in their game plan.
Both Buffalo and Pittsburgh badly need a win with the postseason race tightening. The Week 13 game, set for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday, carries major stakes for the Bills’ playoff hopes and will likely hinge in part on how well they handle Watt off the edge.
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