Patriots – Bills, Who Has the Razor’s Edge? Key MNF Matchups
(PHOTO: Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports) 🕑 Read Time: 5 minutes
Posted Under: Patriots Commentary
(PHOTO: Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports) 🕑 Read Time: 5 minutes
New England Patriots > Patriots Blog
(PHOTO: Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports) Patriots RBs vs Bills Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Buffalo
The Patriots won’t have Dion Lewis this time around but LaGarrette Blount has seemed to find his groove in the middle of the season. He’s run well although the holes for the running game haven’t been consistent since the OL has been a revolving door due to injuries.
The Bills allow only 97.4 yards per game on the ground which is good for 6th in the NFL. Their front seven is very stout and aggressive against the run. In the first matchup the Patriots didn’t test them by running much, but used the short passing game in lieu of the running game.
This Monday look for the Patriots to utilize Blount and the running game much more against the Bills. They will try to establish the inside running game with Blount to keep the Bills pass rush off-balance and which will make play-action much more effective.
Patriots WRs vs Bills Secondary – Razor’s Edge Patriots
The big key here is whether the three missing OL will be able to play this week. If tackles Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon and guard Tre’ Jackson are available, then the pass protection should…on paper be much more effective. Rex Ryan will be looking to slow down the NE offense, something he’s done well at in the past.
The Bills have a very good and aggressive defense; they bring pressure on about a third of opponent’s pass plays. In the first meeting, they tried to drop more men into coverage and Tom Brady made them pay to the tune of 466 yards. Look for them to blitz more this week.
The Patriots will be without Lewis and Julian Edelman, but look for them to target the middle of the field again. Brady picked on linebackers Nigel Bradham and Preston Brown in coverage and with TE Rob Gronkowski, the Bills will have their hands full. The Pats will also have Brandon LaFell who missed the first game while on PUP. Danny Amendola will have to pick up the slack with Edelman missing and look for James White to get more snaps out of the backfield.
Next up the Buffalo offense:
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