5 Bills to watch at the Patriots

[Woodman]

QB Josh Allen
He’ll need to do so against a defense currently ranked No. 12 in passing yards allowed. Establishing an early rhythm, something Buffalo couldn’t do last weekend against the Giants, is going to be essential this week. I want to see some quick throws where offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey gives Allen some layups on the first drive or two. That will soften the defense for some of the big plays and deep-overs that Allen and the Bills love to execute. Allen is dealing with some shoulder soreness, as well, so that’s something else to monitor this week.

[Woodman]

DT Jordan Phillips
Phillips is likely the better player overall when compared to Settle and Ford, so it makes sense for the Bills to want their best guys out there. Oliver had his quietest outing of the season last week against the Giants, which came as a bit of a surprise given how porous their offensive line has been so far. Phillips has just one tackle for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hits on the season so far, but this week would be a nice time for him to put some pressure right up the middle on quarterback Mac Jones.

[Woodman]

EDGE Von Miller
Coming back into live regular-season action isn’t easy at any position, let alone one where you’re constantly cutting sharply wile engaged with 300-plus-pound men. If Miller played 23% of the snaps in London and 35% of the snaps last week. I imagine he’ll top out around 40% this week. All I’m looking for here is some progress — and maybe a quarterback hit, too.

[Woodman]

CB Taron Johnson
Johnson is second on the team in tackles with 31, first on the team in forced fumbles with two, and tied for third on the team in pass breakups with two. Regardless of the situation, Johnson is ready for action. I think he makes his first interception of the year this week.

[Woodman]

A Pass-Catcher Not Named Stefon Diggs
Perhaps this week it’s Gabe Davis, or maybe it’s Deonte Harty’s time to shine. Maybe Khalil Shakir continues to increase his share of snaps, or maybe Allen looks more to tight end Dawson Knox. However, my guess is that this is the week where rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid becomes a bigger focal point on offense.

[TigerJ]

I wonder if Oliver was trying to play with a sore toe part of the game with the Giants. That might have had an effect on his ability to apply pressure. I don't really try to compare Phillips with Settle or Ford. Phillips' skill set makes him a better fit at 3 tech like Oliver. All of the Bills' interior defensive linemen have played both 1 and 3 tech. Of necessity, Oliver has played on the nose as has Phillips, but Oliver and Phillips are natural 3 tech guys. Settle and Ford are probably both what you would call utility guys who are decent at both spots, but not great at either. Daquan Jones was the one Bills defensive tackle who is a 1 tech specialist. With Oliver on the bench, Phillips is the obvious choice to replace him as the starter. I think Settle and Ford will mostly stay at 1 tech. I wouldn't be surprised if Buffalo activates either Andrew Brown or Kendal Vickers from the PS to rotate in for Phillips when Phillips needs a breather.

[Chet]

Will McDermott have them motivated?

Will Dorsey pull his head out of his ass?

Will Josh be patient?

Those are the only 3 things to watch every Bills game. If all 3 are yes then it’s an easy W no matter who they play. What Jordan Phillips or some backups do is negligible in comparison

[Woodman]

The key is to limit the Patriot run game.

A very aggressive focused offense .......... that puts points up early can also help in that cause.

Force em to become one dimensional.

[notacon]

As I said in another thread (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php/264082-ed-oliver-and-damien-harris-out?p=5051717&viewfull=1#post5051717), with both DaQuan Jones and Oliver out, the Pats are going to run the ball down our throats. What better way to cover up the awfulness of Mac Jones.

The Bills do not have a one-tech DL that comes even close to Jones. Phillips forte is pass rushing as he gets pushed around to easily defending the run. Poona Ford has not shown he still has it so far. Tim Settle is going to have top step up.

The Bills should be looking for a DL before the trade deadline.

I'll be looking for the safeties to be creeping up. With two relatively lightweight (and inexperienced) LB's Belichick is going to exploit those weaknesses all game long.

[Woodman]

As I said in another thread (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php/264082-ed-oliver-and-damien-harris-out?p=5051717&viewfull=1#post5051717), with both DaQuan Jones and Oliver out, the Pats are going to run the ball down our throats. What better way to cover up the awfulness of Mac Jones.

The Bills do not have a one-tech DL that comes even close to Jones. Phillips forte is pass rushing as he gets pushed around to easily defending the run. Poona Ford has not shown he still has it so far. Tim Settle is going to have top step up.

The Bills should be looking for a DL before the trade deadline.

I'll be looking for the safeties to be creeping up. With two relatively lightweight (and inexperienced) LB's Belichick is going to exploit those weaknesses all game long.

I like when we all know their game plan before the game.

Ok McDermott show us whatcha got.