New England Patriots: Grading Position Groups Bills’ Game

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

Grade: B

The Patriots defensive line was solid Monday Night against the Bills, but they weren’t the dominant group we’ve seen this season.

While the run defense has been excellent recently, they were exposed a bit against Buffalo. LeSean McCoy ran for 82 yard on 20 carries, but they did hold the team under 100 yards rushing. They were able to bottle up Tyrod Taylor and prevent him from scrambling, which is where Taylor does most of his damage. When he was forced to sit in the pocket, Taylor often struggled to make throws and hit his open receivers down the field.

The pass rush was non-existent for most of the night, but this was likely due to the Patriots rushing in their lanes to keep Tyron Taylor in the pocket. When Matt Patricia let the line just attack the quarterback during the final drive of the game, the Patriots nearly got to Taylor a few times, and Jabaal Sheard strip sacked Taylor.

The defensive line was limited in what they could do against a mobile quarterback, but overall, they played well as a unit.

Next: Linebackers