Three keys to a Buffalo Bills victory against the New England Patriots
Bouncing back last week against the Arizona Cardinals, the Buffalo Bills recorded their first win of the 2016 season. Though the play of the Bills was not where it still needs to be from an overall standpoint, it is refreshing to see the Bills earning the W and building momentum for this week’s AFC East contest.
Still in need of a win this week against the rival New England Patriots to be .500 on the season, look for the Bills offense to again rely heavily on their rushing attack. If the defense can also hold off the Patriots offense, the Bills may find themselves back within a shot of earning a playoff berth.
AROUND COVER32
NFL: Bold predictions for Week 4’s games
QB Rankings: Wentz & Prescott climb into top five
Injuries: Updates on Gronk, Dez, Russell Wilson
Mailbag Head coach hot seats, undefeated teams
1. Getting the pass offense going
Last week against the Cardinals, the Bills rushing attack carried the offense with great rushing performances from both running back LeSean McCoy and quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Going up against a Patriots defense that is used to defending LeGarrette Blount in practice, the New England rush defense will be ready to defend the Bills primary attack.
The only chance of really causing concern amongst the Patriots defense will be to get it’s passing attack going this week. Having Tyrod throw the ball on short and intermediate routes will open up avenues for the ground game to go to work. Taking advantage of those avenues, the Bills may have a shot at upsetting their AFC East rival.
2. Stop the Patriots run game
With a lot of uncertainty at their own quarterback position, you better believe the Patriots once again are going to try a run heavy attack this week. If the Bills can prevent that run game from getting many yards, it could force New England into panic mode, opening up it’s offense to possible mistakes.
READ MORE: Bills will need luck to overcome Patriots
With both Jacoby Brissett and Jimmy Garappolo going to be banged up for their game against the Bills, forcing mistakes from the Patriots pass offense may not be that difficult. However, if Buffalo us unable to stop the run game, it will be a long day for the Bills defense as a whole.
3. Commit Zero Turnovers
It will be imperative for the Buffalo Bills offense to play safe and mistake free during this contest. If there is one thing people can say about the Patriots, it’s that they play smart football. Taking advantage of opposing team’s turnovers is their go-to model for scoring after all.
Depriving them of that, the Buffalo Bills need to play turnover free football on Sunday. Rather than forcing the pass and risking the interception, take the sack. Secure the football when running with it. Play smart.
READ MORE: Bills could already be scouting new head coaches
The post Three keys to a Buffalo Bills victory against the New England Patriots appeared first on Cover32.
