The Pats take on Buffalo for the second time this year in a game that will feel more like a playoff game. Buffalo will be coming into Gillette trying to prove that they belong with the elite of the AFC. After a dominating 2nd half performance last Sunday by New England, they will have some much-needed momentum. The winner of this game will have a commanding lead over the AFC East crown. Having a bye in the playoffs is extremely important for New England. With a win on Saturday, they can almost pencil themselves into that spot. Let’s get to know the Buffalo Bills and what to expect come Saturday night.
Josh Allen has improved dramatically since the Pats saw him last. Allen does not have elite arm accuracy, but he makes up for it by running out of the pocket. He has rushed for 467 yards and has run into the endzone 9 times. Allen has thrown for 19 touchdowns with 9 interceptions in the passing game. Duel threat QBs have been New England’s Achilles heel in the 2019 season. New England’s defense will need to stand tall by keeping Allen in the pocket. This past Sunday, the Pittsburg Steelers held Buffalo to just 17 points by keeping Allen in the pocket. Buffalo’s running attack was a problem for the Pats in their week 4 matchup. Frank Gore was gashing the Pats defense throughout the game. Devin Singletary was not active for that game, but he has been getting most of the snaps at running back for Buffalo of late. Both backs will need to be contained for New England to have success.
Defensively, Buffalo causes havoc. Trent Murphy and Jordan Phillips are excellent in stopping the run and rushing the passer. Jerry Hughes is one of the best defensive ends in football when he can get to the QB. Buffalo’s defensive coordinator, Leslie Frazier, dials up difficult blitz packages to confuse offenses. Tom Brady is the best QB in the NFL in reading defenses and the offensive line will need to step up and protect him. Tre’Davious White is the 2nd best corner in the AFC behind Stephon Gilmore. White moves around a lot and at times, he covers different receivers. Edelman and Sanu will primarily be covered at times by White one on one. Winning those matchups will open up the passing game that has been inconsistent throughout the season.
Be sure to watch the game at 4:20 PM on NFL Network.
–Robert Marcello is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @RobertMarcello5
