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i feel this is worth emphasizing, as it is a positive:
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The Buffalo Bills are ranked fifth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. They lead the NFL with 25 interceptions. They have held opposing quarterbacks to a league-low 59.8 passer rating (tied with the New York Jets) and allowed the second-fewest touchdown passes (10).
But is the Bills' pass defense that good or are their opponents that bad?
We'll find out Sunday.
The New England Patriots come to town with one of the most prolific passing attacks in the NFL. They are averaging 293.2 net yards per game, second only to the Indianapolis Colts' average of 296.4. Quarterback Tom Brady, who has come back from a major knee injury, is completing better than 65 percent of his passes and is on pace to top 4,700 yards for the second time in three years.
"Nobody gives us any credit," said safety Donte Whitner. "In all the key categories our secondary is up there with the best. But it really doesn't get any light shined on it because of our record. So we feel we have something to prove. So Sunday is a chance for us to show what we think we are, and that's a good secondary."
The Bills have benefited from a number of poor quarterback performances. Eight of their games were against quarterbacks ranked in the bottom half of the NFL. The opposition finished with a passer rating of 55.6 or less five times (the Bills won four of them, losing only to Cleveland's Derek Anderson and his 15.1 rating). Conversely, the Bills are 1-7 when a quarterback's rating is above 71.
The Bills deserve some credit for opposing quarterbacks looking so bad. And what is impressive about the defense is how it has fared against the better QBs on the schedule. New Orleans' Drew Brees was held in check (172 yards and a 72.8 rating). Houston's Matt Schaub threw for 268 yards, but didn't have a touchdown and had a pair of interceptions.
But is the Bills' pass defense that good or are their opponents that bad?
We'll find out Sunday.
The New England Patriots come to town with one of the most prolific passing attacks in the NFL. They are averaging 293.2 net yards per game, second only to the Indianapolis Colts' average of 296.4. Quarterback Tom Brady, who has come back from a major knee injury, is completing better than 65 percent of his passes and is on pace to top 4,700 yards for the second time in three years.
"Nobody gives us any credit," said safety Donte Whitner. "In all the key categories our secondary is up there with the best. But it really doesn't get any light shined on it because of our record. So we feel we have something to prove. So Sunday is a chance for us to show what we think we are, and that's a good secondary."
The Bills have benefited from a number of poor quarterback performances. Eight of their games were against quarterbacks ranked in the bottom half of the NFL. The opposition finished with a passer rating of 55.6 or less five times (the Bills won four of them, losing only to Cleveland's Derek Anderson and his 15.1 rating). Conversely, the Bills are 1-7 when a quarterback's rating is above 71.
The Bills deserve some credit for opposing quarterbacks looking so bad. And what is impressive about the defense is how it has fared against the better QBs on the schedule. New Orleans' Drew Brees was held in check (172 yards and a 72.8 rating). Houston's Matt Schaub threw for 268 yards, but didn't have a touchdown and had a pair of interceptions.
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