Nathan Peterman is like a cat with nine lives and he’s already used up five of them.
- 5 first half INTs in his NFL starting debut against the Chargers
- Left snow game against Colts with a concussion
- Threw game-ending INT in playoff game against Jaguars
- Zero QB rating in just over a half as opening-day starter
- 2 INTs in 4th quarter against Texans, including decisive pick-6
Yet here we are with Peterman set to get another opportunity to take the field as the Bills quarterback.
But what other options are there? Matt Barkley was signed this week, but it is too soon for him to have a grasp on the playbook enough to effectively run the offense. Derek Anderson is in the concussion protocol. Josh Allen hasn’t thrown a ball since leaving the Houston game weeks ago.
Even if any of them could, how good do you like their odds?
McDermott wanted to bring in Anderson sooner, but injuries, mainly on the defense, didn't allow for the open roster spot.
Regardless of how the Bills got here, the reality is they are and at 2-6 face a Bears team stout on both sides of the ball. Let's dive into what lies ahead Sunday at New Era Field.
Peterman's Latest Redemption
No need to dive more into the stats that show how bad the start to Nathan Peterman's career has been. We all know the story all too well. While most of you may have lost all confidence in him, Peterman hasn't in himself.
I asked Sean McDermott Friday if there was a leash on Peterman, who has been pulled by McDermott in the middle of two of his three career starts (the third he left midway with a concussion). The Bills head coach said no and that he just wants Peterman to play his game.
The Bears sport the highest interception rate of any defense in the league, so McDermott's patience may be tested with recently signed Matt Barkley waiting in the wings.
The Real Shady
LeSean McCoy was the most frustrated I've seen him since he was traded to the Bills following Monday night's loss to the Patriots where he tallied 13 yards on 12 carries, 12 of which came on the first play of the game.
Good luck getting back on track against a Bears defense third in the NFL by allowing 83.1 rushing yards a game, fourth in rushing yards per play at 3.68.
If you are looking for a positive, McCoy's been relatively effective in the passing game, with his 8.8 yards per catch currently third best of his career. If it isn't working handing it to Shady, maybe Brian Daboll can get it to him through the air.
What a Rush
The Bills bounced back from their first non-sack game of the season in Indianapolis by taking down Tom Brady twice Monday night. They added four QB hits and many more pressures, a key to their success against the Pats. The defense is 11th in the NFL with 21 sacks on the season, with their sack/attempt percentage ranked a tad lower with 7.50%. The Bears are in the upper third in protecting the QB by only allowing 16 sacks on the season, so the Bills have their work cut out for them to force Mitch Trubisky's hand.
Turnover Battle
The Bills constantly remind us that the greatest equalizer is forcing turnovers. For the second-straight game they failed to do that against New England. The chances were there and those are what the defense lamented on after the loss. As they try and get back on the takeaway track, the Bears are one of the better teams at taking care of the football with only 10 turnovers on the season. Trubisky's interception percentage of 2.5% is middle of the pack in the league. So too are his six INTs. Yet another number that seems to go against what the Bills need to do to win.
Mitch on the Move
Trubisky's arm isn't the only thing you have to worry about on Sunday. He ranks second behind only Cam Newton in rushing yards by a quarterback this season with 296, highlighted by this gem against the Patriots.
Bills and Bears kick-off from New Era Field on Sunday at 1 pm.