The Patriots travel on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.With Rex Ryan now the new head coach of the Bills, expectations in Buffalo are at an all time high. Ryan makes no secret about his disdain for all things New England. That sentiment is exactly what long-suffering Bills’ fans desire to hear.
In week one, Rex put the clamps on the Andrew Luck show. Ryan’s defenses are hard to overcome. They’re often very physical, and this team is no exception. Over the years Tom Brady has dismantled many elite defenses. But, his greatest weakness has always been pressure up the middle. Ryan knows this and will look to put pressure right in Brady’s face.
Patriots Vs Bills Betting Odds Week 2
BetOnline.ag has New England and Buffalo as a pick. The over/under on the total points scored is 44. Click here to check out our full BetOnline review.
My Pick
The Patriots will have a tough test against the Bills. Last week, running back Lagarrette Blount was inactive serving a one game suspension for an illegal substance. In his place, running back Dion Lewis amassed 120 all-purpose yards. With Blounts’ return, expect Dion’s rushing attempts to decrease. He should, however, remain a factor in the passing game.
To overcome Buffalo’s imposing front seven, featuring the return of Marcell Darius, the Patriots should implement a short passing attack. Time and time again, Tom Brady has proven that short accurate passes can overcome the lack of a consistent running attack.
A big key to this game will be the play of the Patriots’ offensive line. In week one, the Patriots started three different rookie offensive linemen. This combination held their own against a strong Steelers defensive front, but against Buffalo, this test will prove more substantial. Keeping Brady upright won’t be easy and the Patriots will have to rely on more bulk up front. New England has several tight-end formations that they can implement. The most unusual of these formations comes with four-tight-ends on the field. This kind of bulk up front will give Brady extra protection, as well as, create matchup nightmares for the Bills’ secondary.
Rex Ryan will be looking to take away the Patriots top targets. Buffalo’s defensive focus will center on stopping Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. The quickness of Edelman makes him a difficult matchup to stop in the slot. While the size and athleticism of Gronk makes him nearly impossible to contain. Rex Ryan can only devote so many men to covering Tom Brady’s top two weapons. If Gronk can stay on the field he will certainly require double coverage in the red-zone and down the middle of the field.
Every week, Belichick implements a game plan that emphasizes a particular area that exploits his opponent’s weakness. This week, the Patriots will look to expose the coverage skills of Rex Ryan’s linebackers. Gronk will certainly be a challenge, but it’s the other tight-end, Scott Chandler, the former Bill, that could be in line for a huge afternoon. If the Bill’s devote to much attention to stopping Gronk, Chandler will certainly have some open looks from Brady.
Historically, Rex Ryan has given Brady and Belichick fits. Belichick has had a lot of success against quarterbacks in their first two starts. The only quarterback to have success against Belichick in the Brady era was Mark Sanchez. Bills’ quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, making his second start is a lot like Sanchez. He’s a quarterback with limited skills, but in a run-heavy offense he can contribute little and be effective.
Expect a low scoring, defensive game. The Patriots will have their struggles, but expect New England to focus heavily on stopping the run to pick up the victory.
Beichick • Bills • Buffalo • Gronk' • Patriots