Bills RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Buffalo
The Bills got their running untracked in a big way a week ago, rushing for over 200 yards in the blowout win over the Cardinals. LeSean McCoy looked like himself on Sunday, being elusive, seeing the holes well and getting to the second level. The offensive line had a lot to do with that, especially the interior guys, C Eric Woods and Guards Richie Incognito and 2nd-year player John Miller who were very impressive.
The Patriots have done a good job of limiting the running game thus far in 2016. Inside Malcolm Brown and Alan Branch have played well, they’ll be backed up by Vincent Valentine and newcomer John Hughes. LBs Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower are outstanding against the run. Edge rushers Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long will have to do a great job of not only setting the edge against McCoy but in not allowing QB Tyrod Taylor to get outside.
This will be a key matchup for Buffalo. They haven’t passed the ball well this year, and New England will be looking to slow them down and force the ball into Taylor’s hands. The key for NE this week is Hightower. If he can play, it will be a huge boost for the defense.
Bills WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
Buffalo has struggled to throw the ball this year. Top WR Sammy Watkins has been hobbled by an off-season foot injury that was re-aggravated last week. Charles Clay hasn’t been the difference maker they’ve hoped for and Taylor’s struggles when he’s forced to stay in the pocket remain. His key targets have been McCoy out of the backfield and Robert Woods. Their passing offense is mired in 30th (163.3 YPG) in the league.
The Patriots struggle in the 2nd half against Miami were quickly forgotten against Houston. The secondary bracketed their WRs and they frustrated Brock Osweiler into trying to force the ball into tight windows all game.
If Watkins can’t go or is limited, look for the Patriots to load the box against McCoy and seek to contain Taylor and force him to beat them from the pocket. Sheard and Long will have to be cognizant not to get too far upfield and gradually squeeze the pocket around the Bills QB.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge Push
The Patriots special teams had a tremendous night against Houston. Not only did K Stephen Gostkowski make all five of his kicks, 3 PATs, 2 FGs, but his short kickoffs led to two turnovers during returns. Punter Ryan Allen was the deservedly so AFC STs Player of the Week. He put six punts inside the 15-yard line and had zero return yardage on the day.
Buffalo has a pair of very good kickers in Dan Carpenter and Colton Schmidt. The Bills always have excellent STs units and this season they’ve added the dangerous former Bengal and Patriot Brandon Tate. He’s averaging 17.0 yards per punt return and more than 24 yards on kickoffs.
Next up, who wins and why…
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
