Just a few thoughts about the upcoming game.
1. I would not be shocked to see the Bills run some up tempo offense to start the game. It might keep the Pats from doing all their situation specific substitutions they do, or at least limit most of them. This would be particularly effective at the start of the game. Teams always go through "see and adjust" period at the start of a game. Well, the Bills REALLY need to start out fast in this game. I wouldn't be surprised to see them take the ball if they win the toss. Showing all the new stuff is usually effective early
2. It is imperative that the DL start out and dominate the Bills OL right from the start. When it is at its best, the Bills OL is a weakness for them. Now it's been further depleted by injury and Covid. The Pats need to press this advantage both inside and off the edge. Bedard pointed to Mitch Morris, their C, as a particular weakness before the last game, and it proved true as Godchaux had his best game stopping the run, and Barmore routinely was playing 2 yds behind the LOS when match up against him. I don't think that's changed in 2 weeks.
3. So given the OL and receiver situation, Allen is going to have to carry this team on his broad shoulders, ON the road, in a virtual playoff game for both teams.
4. The defensive solution is clear and simple. Keep him in the pocket, NEVER get deeper than. the QB, and pressure him up the middle. Here's a thought. Since Judon doesn't always like to play a soft OLB on the edge, why not put him in the middle where he could full out rush from their without worrying about him escaping outside. Just a thought.
5. I think 2 deep, man under would be my go to D to start the game. I use Jackson on their #2 and tell him to just lock him down and play tough man on Diggs with a trail techique and have a S over the top.
6. I will be shocked if the Bills run the ball more than 15 times in this game.....with their RB's. Allen however will be another story. If they are smart, they will utilize Allen in the run game to the tune of 10-15 times this game. Remember this is pretty much an all or nothing game for them. If they lose they will be fighting for their playoff lives the last two weeks. They have a lot of conference losses, so even if they win out its a guess if they get in.
7. Look for the Pats to pull less in their run game this week. Zone or straight Man blocking defeats the LB's gapping through. If they want to kick out and the end of the LOS you can still do it with a motioning TE.
8. Even without Bourne in the game, I think the Pats will be able to throw the ball effectively. Look for that long awaited "breakout" game from Smith this week. (I'm using the old strategy of saying this every week, so EVENTUALLY I'm going to get it right and tell everyone I know that, "I told you so". ). But seriously, I can see him lining up wide and running the same crossing patterns Bourne has run so successfully.
9. Can't write a post without repeating the obvious trope. Win the TO battle, win the game.
10. Just a reminder, that in the preseason when Cam was here and Mac was running with the 2nd team, Gunner was among his favorite targets. Just sayin'
