The Bills will have their hands full with trying to slow down Browns RB Trent Richardson. (US Presswire)

Buffalo’s much improved run defense will face a stiff test in Week 3 in Browns RB Trent Richardson.

After fielding one of the league’s worst run defenses in 2010 and 2011, the Bills have been impressive through two weeks. New York Jets RB Shonn Greene was held to 3.5 yards per carry in Week 1 (94 yards on 27 carries). Most of the Jets’ success came in the passing game in their 48-28 win. In Week 2, the Bills contained the Chiefs’ two-pronged ground attack when the game was still close -- Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis had only 23 yards in the first half, compared to Buffalo’s 133 yards rushing.

Richardson, the third overall pick in the draft, got off to a slow start in Week 1 but rebounded nicely against Cincinnati in Week 2. The Alabama product ran for 109 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries (5.7 yards per attempt) in Cleveland’s 34-27 loss to the Bengals and also had a 23-yard reception for a score.

The 5-foot-9, 230-pound back drew some comparisons to Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew in Buffalo’s locker room.

“He’s definitely a running back that likes to keep his shoulders square,” said LB Nick Barnett, who worked out with Richardson in the offseason. “He has some good vision and some good patience in the backfield. He is a strong guy and a good kid. We definitely have to be prepared, hold our gaps and be prepared to stop him. If you let him get loose, he will get loose.”

“He is a very tough runner,” DE Mario Williams said. “Downhill, he keeps his shoulders square to the line. He’s a power guy.”

MLB Kelvin Sheppard knows a thing or two about Richardson. Sheppard, an LSU alum, went up against Richardson several times in heated SEC matchups in college.

“I saw a lot of him during my years that I went up against him,” Sheppard said. “He is, in my opinion, one of the better backs in the NFL today.”

The Browns are currently tied for 11th in the league in rushing with an average of 114.5 yards per game.

“He’s a strong back,” coach Chan Gailey said. “He’s going to be a very good player. I hope he really picks it up in Week 4.”

For more updates on the Bills, follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSBills and @MarkLud12.