Four keys for the Buffalo Bills to beat the New England Patriots
Buffalo News sports reporter Katherine Fitzgerald examines four keys to a Buffalo victory over the New England Patriots.
Bills running back James Cook beats Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez on his way to the end zone for a touchdown on Dec. 22 at Highmark Stadium.
Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
1. Every yard counts
The New England Patriots have a special-teams unit that Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott is watching closely. The Patriots are first in the league in yards per punt return.“They’ve built a really explosive roster,” McDermott said. “They’ve got a lot of team speed, in particular at the returner position. I think they’ve got three or four returns for touchdowns, if you include the preseason, as well. So, very impressed by what they’ve done, and we’re going to have to play a great game on special teams, for sure.” Meanwhile, the Bills are last in average opponent starting field position on punt returns, with 33.4 the average yard line.
2. Learn thy opponent
The Bills are still getting a feel for AFC East opponent Drake Maye. Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who got to know Maye through their shared agency, has been impressed with the second-year quarterback. “He spins it as good as anyone in the league, his mechanics are really good, and to be that big and move the way he does, it’s impressive,” Allen said. Still, Maye is 23rd in completion percentage under pressure, at just 42%. The Bills' defense currently leads the league with a 46% pressure rate. New England has found its guy in Maye, but if the Bills' defense can affect him, it could be a long day for the Patriots' quarterback Sunday.3. Eyes on the corners
The Patriots' defense has Allen’s attention, particularly the cornerbacks.“Christian Gonzalez and (Carlton) Davis out there, they’re really good at what they do,” Allen said Wednesday. “Bigger, physical corners. Not afraid to get up to the line of scrimmage and press you. So, again, we’ve got to have a good week of practice, and game plan extremely well, and go out there and execute.”
Gonzalez will play in just his second game this season after he missed the start of the year with a hamstring injury. He is a game-changer when he is on the field, so Allen will have to stay aware of the third-year corner.
4. Ready for Vrabel
The Bills are familiar with Mike Vrabel, who took over as Patriots head coach this offseason. Vrabel spent 2018 to 2023 as coach of the Tennessee Titans, but McDermott also coached against Vrabel when he was still a player in Super Bowl XXXIX – Vrabel a linebacker with the Patriots, and McDermott the safeties coach of the Eagles. McDermott can already see Vrabel’s fingerprints on this version of the Patriots.“They always play like he played, very physical,” McDermott said. “And we know that. And so, it's whenever you go against one of his defenses, you got to make sure you bring that part of your game.”
