Pats Pulpit
Riding high off a big win over the Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots are set for primetime. They have a big-time divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills coming up on Sunday Night Football.
So before kickoff, let’s get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
What is the Patriots dream scenario in beating the Bills this week? More specifically, how does an ideal start to each half go, and what is the plan of attack on offense, defense and special teams? – jpage1003
A fast start on both sides of the ball would certainly be an ideal opening. Buffalo is not a team you’d like to find yourself in an early hole against like New England has each of the last two weeks. Overall, winning the trenches is key in this game.
Offensively, New England’s rushing attack has struggled ranking dead last in rush EPA (-0.31) and 31st in rushing success rate (29.5 percent). Buffalo has been vulnerable on the ground ranking 28th in EPA against the run and we know Josh McDaniels will have some tricks up his sleeve vs. the Bills in the run game. While the Bills could get Ed Oliver and Matt Milano back this week, the Patriots finding their run game to stay ahead of the chains and keep the ball out of Josh Allen’s hands could be the key.
Defensively, it will be a handful against the reigning NFL MVP that is leading an offense that ranks first in total EPA, pass EPA, and rush EPA. New England could use their cornerback duo to their advantage and play plenty of press-man against a weaker group of receivers as the Bills have feasted on zone coverages with YAC opportunities. But, stopping James Cook (more on him soon) and the Bills’ run game — which uses plenty of motion and heavy personnel packages — is no easy task.
Besides Josh Allen, what makes the Buffalo Bills offense so lethal? They do not appear to have top tier receivers or tight ends. – coolbeanz
James Cook. The Bills have the best rushing attack in football and Cook is a large reason why with the second most rushing yards (401) and 17 missed tackles forced. He’s a threat anytime he touches the football and New England’s run defense that has struggled — especially along the edges — will need to be at the top of their game.
Where are the receivers? Diggs is doing well considering his situation. Hollins is doing as expected or maybe a bit better than expected. Boutte had one good game. That’s it. Otherwise it’s like they disappeared. – cf27
Mike Vrabel has consistently echoed a message when it comes to Drake Maye or the receivers, one he related again last Sunday: “Just throw to the guy that’s open in the progression as soon as he’s open.”
It’s no surprise as we’ve seen the ball spread around before in Josh McDaniels’ offense. That doesn’t mean players aren’t getting open, as there have...
