The Birds defensive tackles, Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley have played well against the run most of the season. They'll be tested on again on Sunday by the Buffalo Bills inside running game.
The Eagles defense should load up against Buffalo's running game because they're 30th in the league throwing the ball. They do have a decent running game and it's led by rookie running back Marshawn Lynch. He runs hard and strong. Tackling, gap discipliine and hustle to the ball will be a must for the front seven and safeties.
Young middle linebacker Stewart Bradley has to keep his leverage and stay behind the ball. Lynch is a good cut back runner, so the Bills are sure to try to run some misdirection whether Bradley or Omar Gaither starts.
Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards has done a solid job as a starter but the kid has a lot to learn and Jim Johnson should be able to keep him off balance. I'd like to see the Birds show him a lot of looks and come at him on third downs. The only weapon on the Bills offense which should concern them is speed burning wide receiver Lee Evans. He's a home run hitter who can strike from any where on the field. The Birds have to keep a safety over the top against him because he's capable of getting deep on either of the Birds corners.
