Odd defensive plan by Rex Ryan to really rely on the front four for pressure. And they didn't seem to adjust much.
Tremendous performance by the interior line against Dareus and Williams. We expected a Kline-Andrews-Jackson interior to be a big mismatch. It wasn't.
Very similar offensive gameplan to the Seattle game. Spread them out. A few interior runs. Use the WR's for any outside runs. Quick routes with quick WR's on LB's underneath. Buffalo did a great job the first three plays tackling the receivers for not gain on the sidelines, but then really struggled in the middle of the field.
Edelman mentioned Brady motioning him over from the offensive right side to the left side, not to change the route but to pick up a blitzer that he read. Unbelievable. He can pick that up, accurately, communicate in that environment, to ensure perfect execution. That is what makes him great.
You have to question the Buffalo offensive line after that performance. Eight sacks, when the defense is primarily playing contain. There were plenty of times the edge player was simply holding the edge rather than penetrating, keeping Taylor in the pocket.
The Patriots were surprisingly successful stacking the line, daring Taylor to throw, and trusting their corners. A lot of single man coverage with those eight on the line formations. A lot of shifting the edge DL and interior DL, really confusing the offensive line calls. When they are playing Chandler Jones and Geneo Grissom inside, they can easily swing to the outside. Versatile, confusing.
Looks like it is now Logan Ryan's chance to earn one of the three starting corner roles.
A telling comment, maybe, on Arrington in the 'Do Your Job' documentary. Belichick spoke about removing Arrington in the Super Bowl because he is so streaky - a couple bad outcomes and then he plays poorly. Sort of ironic, the questions about cutting Arrington here, after so many were vocally questioning signing the extension three years ago.
Unbelievable athletic plays by Butler on the interception and Amendola on the catch. Body control, eye-hand coordination, toughness when hitting the turf without letting the ball touch or breaking the fall.
As I mentioned earlier, I am fine with the fourth-and-one plays. You are way ahead, opportunity to set up future opponents who have to worry about a long play on the short yardage play. Also something they can practice, like the now-famous shots of Malcolm Butler practicing the WR screen play. Something in the bank. Thinking several games ahead.
The Bills play a high-risk offense when they are behind. Can lead to quick strike touchdowns. Can lead to costly turnovers.
