4:27 Watch highlights of the Bills’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15
The Bills have had to deflect doubt over their playoff credentials on a weekly basis this season, with many only really convinced of their threat inside the last month.
A Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys was an eye-opener in that respect and even the 24-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens the following week showcased a team capable of pushing the best all the way.
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Were it not for a superb Marcus Peters pass break-up late in the fourth quarter then they may well have gone on to get something from that game.
They also clinched their playoff spot by beating a Steelers side that entered Week 15 having won seven of their last eight.
Where do the Bills have the edge?
This Bills defense has come to life at the right time, limiting back-to-back opponents to fewer than 300 yards on offense for the first time since Weeks Eight and Nine.
This includes a season-low of 209 yards against the Ravens and Lamar Jackson, who was restricted to just 40 rushing on the day.
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Buffalo head into New England with the third-ranked defense in the NFL for fewest yards allowed per game with 291.9, bettered only by the San Francisco 49ers’ 269 and the Patriots’ 268.4. They are also allowing the second-fewest points per game with 15.9 and have conceded the second-fewest touchdowns this season at 24.
Tom Brady and the Patriots’ ninth-ranked pass attack would do well to avoid the exceptional White in light of his joint-most six interceptions so far this season – an accolade he shares with New England rival and fellow cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
White also leads the Bills with 17 pass defenses, including eight in his last three games, and also has 58 tackles to his name.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is tied for 19th in the NFL with 105 tackles, while defensive tackle Jordan Phillips is tied for 14th with 9.5 sacks after producing two against the Steelers. This defense has playmakers all over.
The Bills have been no pushovers on the ground either, allowing a 10th-fewest 101.4 rushing yards per game heading into Week 16.
Improving the run game will be a focus for the Patriots as they gear up for post-season football. Having averaged a fifth-highest 127.3 rushing yards per game from a third-most 478 carries in 2018, they are now registering just 101.8 yards per game off 385 carries with two games to play.
With clock management famously key heading into January, running backs Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead could see a spike in production, especially with wide receiver Julian Edelman struggling for fitness.
Can the Bills hurt the Patriots D?
Bills quarterback Josh Allen faces his toughest test of the season when he comes up against the league’s No 1 ranked defense.
The 23-year-old will be contested by a unit that is allowing just 268.4 total yards per game and averaging 170.3 yards against the pass. New England also lead the league with 25 interceptions as well as having 11 fumble recoveries on the year.
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His ability to scramble outside of the pocket has proven a match for any defense, but Gillete Stadium will stage an insight into his divisive accuracy.
Having been picked off three times when the teams met earlier this season, Allen has since thrown just three more interceptions. Let’s not forget he has also taken his rushing touchdown tally to nine.
While the Patriots will be keen to swerve White, Allen and the Bills will be equally wary of Pro Bowler Gilmore in the secondary.
His presence along with the overall strength of the Patriots defense calls for a balanced approach from the Bills.
Wide receiver John Brown will be key as the team’s leading receiver with 71 catches for 1,007 yards and five touchdowns, along with the experienced Cole Beasley who has racked up 60 catches for 670 yards and six touchdowns.
Devin Singletary can be a welcomed asset in wearing the Patriots down having emerged as Buffalo’s top rusher with 729 yards, while five-time Pro Bowler Frank Gore still has fuel left in the tank.
Singletary’s use in the passing game is another avenue to continue pursuing after his 28 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns over his 11 games so far in 2019.
The Bills not only have a chance to worry the Patriots this weekend, but also prove they can serve as the long-term rival that the AFC has been in desperate need of.
Sourse: skysports.com
