Kontradiction
On my retirement tour.
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I'm a firm believer that Buchanan should see his snap count increased this week. He is a talented, but raw pass rusher. His biggest problem was that he was rushing too far upfield this season and saw his playing time dwindle after the Jets game (understandably so since he was fully responsible for Geno converting a huge first down with his legs on third and long). That issue shouldn't be too much of a problem against the Ravens as Flacco, even when healthy, isn't mobile. To compound it, he's playing on a sprained MCL.
I honestly hope the Patriots do a lot of one-gapping in this game. With Buchanan on the field, the Patriots can get pretty creative with their DL. They can go Ninkovich-Chris Jones/Siliga/Sopoaga-Chandler Jones-Buchanan or sub in Buchanan for Ninkovich. I like Ninkovich, but I thought he played his worst game of the season last week. Even though Chandler was commanding double teams all throughout the second half, Ninkovich couldn't generate much of a push in one on one battles and frequently didn't come close to Tannehill. I don't think he should be benched, but the Patriots are going to need someone that can frequently win one on one battles at DE. Buchanan might be just what the defense needs up front vs. the Ravens and an immobile quarterback like Flacco.
I honestly hope the Patriots do a lot of one-gapping in this game. With Buchanan on the field, the Patriots can get pretty creative with their DL. They can go Ninkovich-Chris Jones/Siliga/Sopoaga-Chandler Jones-Buchanan or sub in Buchanan for Ninkovich. I like Ninkovich, but I thought he played his worst game of the season last week. Even though Chandler was commanding double teams all throughout the second half, Ninkovich couldn't generate much of a push in one on one battles and frequently didn't come close to Tannehill. I don't think he should be benched, but the Patriots are going to need someone that can frequently win one on one battles at DE. Buchanan might be just what the defense needs up front vs. the Ravens and an immobile quarterback like Flacco.