New England Patriots: 3 offensive threats to watch in MNF battle vs Bills
With all the talk surrounding how the New England Patriots defense will limit Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills offense, the key will really be how Mac Jones and the offense holds up against a very good defense on the other side.
As weather should be a factor in this Monday night showdown, the Patriots will want to establish their physicality early by running the ball. With crowd noise being a factor early, Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will want to keep things simple for their rookie quarterback at least to start the game.
That is why it will be important that the Pats’ defense doesn’t allow the Bills to get out to a quick start. The Patriots do not want to get in a game where they are playing catchup or matching points with Buffalo because that would put Jones in a vulnerable position. It would give him a chance to prove himself even further, but that’s a position New England would rather not be in.
New England Patriots must get off and running with their power game
So, the key is the Patriots offensive line displaying their physicality against what Belichick calls one of the best overall defenses in the league, even without No. 1 corner Tre’Davious White.
It all starts with containing Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.
"“Another good player in it,’ Belichick said when asked about Lotulelei and the Bills’ defense. “They’re very good up there. They have good depth and good talent. They just keep coming in waves. They’ve got a couple of waves of guys there. They’re all tough. They’re good playmakers. They’re consistent. They have a good defense, obviously. They’re one of the best defenses in the league. They’re good at everything. They’ve got a good front. They have good linebackers, and they have a good secondary. They’re experienced. They play together. They certainly know how to execute the defense, make adjustments, and it’s hard to fool them. You’ve got to earn it. They don’t make many bad plays. They’re very well-coached.”"
Although Buffalo was run all over by Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots can’t sleep on defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and how the Bills will try to attack Mac Jones.
Obviously, the rookie quarterback must have a solid game, but the following three playmakers surrounding him will need to come up big to keep that Bills aggressive defense off balance and on their heels.