Buffalo's matchup with the Patriots provides an opportunity for the Bills to answer a glaring question before the playoffs
There is absolutely no denying that, when healthy, the Los Angeles Rams have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, aided by one of the league's most creative play callers in Sean McVay. There's also absolutely no denying that the Detroit Lions are a unit that's hard to contain.The Bills had 40+ points […]
There is absolutely no denying that, when healthy, the Los Angeles Rams have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, aided by one of the league's most creative play callers in Sean McVay. There's also absolutely no denying that the Detroit Lions are a unit that's hard to contain.
The Bills had 40+ points hung up on them in their last two games against these teams. Now heading into a matchup with the New England Patriots on Sunday, to put it bluntly, it's time for the defense to absolutely dominate.
The Patriots have a bright future in front of them, something that Bills Mafia assuredly doesn't want to hear, but it's true. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has the goods, and has a bit of that Mahomes/Allen improvisational swagger and play making ability, to go with his large frame and cannon of an arm, that has him poised for a strong NFL career.
But as of right now, the Patriots aren't there. The roster isn't there. The offensive line isn't there. And for the Bills, a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations behind MVP front-runner Josh Allen, the defense needs to quiet some of the noise surrounding them.
The Patriots are averaging only 17.0 points per game, second worst in the NFL. Their 292.5 total yards per game ranks 30th, 4.8 yards per play ranks 29th, red zone touchdown percentage at 46.35% ranks 30th — as a whole, they are categorically one of the worst offenses in the NFL.
For as good as Maye is, he's still a rookie, and his weapons on the outside leave plenty to be desired. The one thing that the Patriots seem to be able to rely on with some consistency is their running attack, averaging 4.6 yards per carry on the ground (10th) with both Maye and running back Rhamondre Stevenson capable of toting the rock.
This is a game for head coach Sean McDermott, defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, and the defensive unit as a whole to step up, lock down the run, and put together a shutdown performance mere weeks before the playoffs. The chase is on. It's time to look like the best team in football.
