After a 4 day break, the Bills will return to work on Monday. And, naturally, they'll be facing a high caliber test right off the bat. The Bills have back to back road games - against the Texans (6-1), who also had their bye week, followed by a trip to New England to face the Patriots (5-3). We'll see soon if the team is able to get a boost from the bye week.

"I think a lot of guys are going to have to do some self reflection during this bye week," Fred Jackson said on Wednesday. "Whatever it is you need to do to step and take your game to the next level, that's what we're going to have to do when we come back off this bye week."

Obviously, the Bills defense is the unit that needs the biggest post-bye bump. The Bills have been torched for more than 30 points in three of their last four games.

"There are some great efforts," said linebacker Nick Barnett. "I can definitely turn that film on and you can see some guys who are playing good but not consistent. I think that's the key word for us as a defense: consistency, and being consistent."

When the Bills return to the practice field Monday, it'll make for another chance for Shawne Merriman. He re-joined his teammates two weeks ago and worked in a couple snaps against the Titans. With the injury trouble at defensive end, Merriman is getting what may be one of his final shots to prove he still belongs in the NFL.

"I feel good," Merriman said. "Yea, I didn't play a whole bunch, but definitely came in enough to give the guys some rest. I feel good for the few plays I had.

"It will come a long. The goal was just for me to practice during the week, get back in game shape, and get ready for the rotation. And I kind of expected that. As we go along, hopefully my name is called a little more."