This is 💯 why I hope the Bills continue their upward trend of more man coverage for the following reasons:
-depleted edge rush
….with Miller out and Groot up the the air, I would love to see forcing the Pats to try and push the ball down the field.
-return of White/Elam
…ramping up White’s snaps and Elam returning full strength, these are two inmediate upgrades in man coverage
-average skills players
…the Pats are average, at best, when it comes to their talent at WR, TE, RB. That’s not to say they can’t be successful, but I like our chances taking away the quick hitters, delaying the throw, forcing the ball to be held, creating multiple read scenarios, allowing for the interior rush to develop, etc. McD and Fraiser are very familiar with Parker, and Agolor and Myers are decent role players but neither can/will take over a game. Hunter Henry is a great piece, and likely a top 10 TE receiving option. The Bills have had their fair share of handling guys of this caliber (Kelce, Higbee, Andrews, etc) so far this year and have faired quite well in doing so.
I don’t think the defensive scheme that we’ve seen for years is going to up and vanish this week, but we have undoubtedly seen a shift in their balance and willingness to bring pressures from LBs and Safetys, as well we playing more press and man coverage.
It will be interesting to see what looks the Pats try utilize. If I were them, I’d try and force the Bills out of nickel and then use motions or formations to find advantageous match ups against our 3rd backer (if edmunds is out).