Six Points: Bills vs. Patriots
On Monday night, the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots will meet for the second time this season -- with both teams holding a playoff berth this time around. The Patriots came away as the victors in Week 2, 40-32, but it's safe to assume Rex Ryan will make adjustments where Buffalo failed the first time.
This week's battle may not be as high-scoring with the Patriots missing running back Dion Lewis and wide receiver Julian Edelman, but it's sure to be hard-fought now that the Bills are healthy on offense.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Bills and the Patriots.
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1. Limit Rob Gronkowski's production
Gronkowski had arguably his best game of the season against the Bills in Week 2, catching seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Rex Ryan claimed to have a great game plan to take him out of the equation, but needless to say, it didn't work. With Julian Edelman injured, the Bills should have an easier time eliminating Gronk -- or at least limiting him far better than they did in Week 2.
2. Establish the run with dynamic-duo
LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams have combined to give the Bills one of the best running back duos in the league. Williams has found the end zone seven times in just six games and is averaging a ridiculous 6.2 yards per carry. The Patriots have been good against the run this season, but containing Williams and McCoy will be a challenge.
3. Use the read-option to open running lanes
Last week, the Bills used the read-option with Tyrod Taylor to open up running lanes on the outside. Taylor is a threat to run the ball on every play, so by using the read-option, it freezes the defensive end or outside linebacker, widening the running back's hole to run through. If the Bills struggle to run it the traditional way early, going to the read-option would be a smart move.
1. Let LeGarrette Blount carry the ball early and often
Blount's role has increased since Dion Lewis went down with a torn ACL, and he's showed the ability to handle a bigger load. He's scored a touchdown in each of the past two games, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He can wear down the Bills defense with his tough running style, opening up the play action for Tom Brady and the aerial attack.
2. Don't allow big plays to Sammy Watkins
Watkins dominated Brent Grimes two weeks ago, consistently beating him on deep routes for big plays. It was a different story against Darrelle Revis and the Jets, and if the Patriots can limit him the way they did, the Bills could struggle to move the ball. Buffalo doesn't have a true No. 2 receiver, which makes Watkins that much more important to the offense.
3. Get the ball in Gronkowski's hands
Sunday will mark the first time the Patriots will be without Edelman, so the most likely candidate to step up and pick up the slack is Gronkowski. Brady should target Gronkowski on short and intermediate routes to get the ball in his hands quickly and allow him to break tackles in the secondary. The Bills will certainly put two defenders in his vicinity, but Gronkowski has showed the ability to take over a game regardless of coverage.