Stopping the Run:
The one weakness we’ve seen from the Bills’ defense this year is the ability to consistently stop the run. For the most part, I think we’ve kept bigger-name running backs from having huge games, but there have also been quite a few very long runs broken. The Patriots don’t necessarily have real game-breaking running backs, but I expect Belichick to try to commit to the ground game to shorten the game and keep Allen and the offense off the field.
We saw DaQuan Jones go to the IR and found that Ed Oliver will be out with a toe injury this week. The Bills’ defensive tackle room is being tested early in the season, and I think Belichick will try to take advantage of that.
Get Ancillary Weapons Going:
We’ve all seen it enough from Belichick over the years; he loves to try to take away what your offense likes to do most and make you beat them in other ways. For the Bills, that is moving the passing game through Diggs. Granted, Diggs and the Bills have had great success against Belichick's defenses, but we can go into the game at least knowing that this will be their defensive strategy.
With so much of the offense moving through Diggs so far this year, I think this could actually be good for the Bills to win in other ways. Kincaid missed last week with a concussion but looks to be on track to play Sunday. I predict this game will be a coming-out party of sorts for the rookie.
Don’t Get Caught Sleeping:
The Bills are playing a Patriots team with not much left to lose. They’ve only got one win on the season so far, and prospects of turning that around any time soon look bleak. Playing a division rival with high aspirations when you have little left to play for is a great time to throw the kitchen sink at them. The Bills need to be on their toes and watch out for any sort of trickery the Pats try to use. In this department, I think surprise onside kicks, fake punts, fake field goals, and gadget plays. I think back up QB/WR Malik Cunningham is a wild card in this department. Look for the Patriots to get him involved with some sort of trick play.
When all is said and done, this is a Patriots team that the Bills have handled easily, with their lone loss in recent memory being the wild wind game. I think the Bills are the far superior team, but playing a division rival whose season is all but over makes for a real wild card of an opponent. I have this one being close through three quarters and the Bills score a couple of fourth-quarter touchdowns to really slam the door.
Let me know what you think down in the comments, and as always GO BILLS!!
