Dont Stop Billeiving

Shaq with the scoop and score...good for him!

Klein went from not worth the money at all to 'maybe worth the money' in one game. Huge impact in this one...were these the same linebackers or some sort of Space Jam Monstars versions?

Things that give me hope about this match up: 1) Return of our strong rushing attack (Feliciano made a huge difference) 2) Terrible Seattle pass defense (who covers Diggs?) and below average pass rush 3) 1 PM EST start time for Seattle 4) Seattle's offensive line might be the worst we've faced all season (and that includes the Jets). We should be able to get pressure with four, spy Wilson, and drop 6 into coverage IMO. 5) If Hyde can come back, we'll have our ideal starting secondary back together for the first time in weeks. And we'll really need it. Things that are turning my hair grey about this match up: 1) RUSSELL WILSON (your 2020 MVP) 2) DK 'Six Million Dollar Man' Metcalf (think we need to bracket both Metcalf and Lockett and make their secondary weapons beat us) 3) Seems like Jamal Adams is going to return for this game after missing the past several weeks. So worried about Allen's knees/overall health as a result.

Great post...agree with all of it except the Jordan Phillips part. I do think we miss the energy and attitude he brought (especially in a year without the fans to pump up the defense). However, he's objectively a bad run defender (hopefully we'll see this more clearly when we play them) and almost all of his sacks were of the good coverage variety. I don't think he was worth the contract he got or the reason why the defense has regressed. I think Star opting out and the lack of an acceptable like-for-like replacement on the roster at 1-Tech has really hurt our interior DL and the LBs. To a lesser extent, Corey Liuget is also probably missed more than we realize while we also miss Shaq on the edge. As you mentioned, I really think the play of Klein and Murphy have hurt us significantly this year. I'm really hoping that we can bring in Dalvin Tomlinson or Tim Settle before the deadline. Both are young guys on rookie deals and are great against the run. I think an upgrade there means a big improvement in that 1T spot and would subsequently improve the play of our linebackers as well.

The Patriots defense's biggest weakness is their lack of speed and they've tried to use their talented and deep secondary to counter that, often playing with 5 or 6 DBs on the field if you include Adrian Phillips who plays a kind of rover position for them now. With Gilmore and Dugger out and JC Jackson listed as Questionable, I wonder if they can continue to play that way effectively. Jonathan Jones has looked very beatable this year as well.

Agreed. By that same logic, could see unexpected contributions/big plays from Siran Neal and Taron Johnson. Those guys are often below average in coverage but are sound tacklers and run defenders.

If NE is truly shopping Gilmore, do they risk playing him in this game? Not tradeable if he gets hurt (or his existing injury gets worse). I think he's had a down year by his standards, but it should still help us a lot throwing against their CB4 rather than Gilmore. Diggs vs JC Jackson, Brown vs their CB4, and Beasley vs Jones in the slot should be winnable match ups for us. Really hoping the weather winds up being better than expected.

A positive sign of the times/state of the franchise: I'm way more concerned about our own injury report and the weather than I am about New England themselves. Bad weather levels the playing field a bit and for the first time in a long while, that favors the Pats. If we can stop NE's rushing attack, we win this game. It's really that simple.

This past Sunday was a strange one. Seemed like some breaks didn't go our way and our own mistakes/penalties occurring at the exact wrong times prevented us from putting up more TDs and points (on a different day, Davis and Kroft both catch TD passes from Josh and we feel a lot better about the offense). Still, Josh and the defense showed signs of progress and 5-2 plus first place in the AFC East is a good start. Looking forward to this first test against the Brady-less Patriots in a big division match up. Same as the previous weeks, I wanted to do an amateur deep dive/scouting session into the Patriots' last three games based on their game highlights (granted it's not the All-22 film but still a combined 40+ minutes of video) and then list some keys/X-factors for our matchup this week. Anyways, hope you enjoy/find this useful: ***Offensive and Defensive Ranks are based on Football Outsiders' Defense-adjusted Value Over Average statistics*** https://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings October 5th- Week 4 Loss AT Kansas City (4th ranked offense and 5th ranked defense after Week 4, current record: 6-1) by a score of 26-10: Hoyer/Stidham- with Newton on the COVID list, these two combined for 60 minutes of uninspiring QB play. Two of the three INTs were gifts/bad throws that weren't even close to their intended target. Hoyer took a bad sack that knocked NE out of FG range at the end of the first half and also fumbled in the red zone later in the 3rd quarter which led to his benching. Pats Running Game- Damien Harris (100 yards and 5.9 YPC in the game) isn't particularly fast or athletic, but is a tough runner with good balance, a typical Belichick RB who always falls forward. Burkhead also ripped off a few big runs. White was such a receiving threat as per usual (7 receptions vs KC), he scares me more than anyone else in their offense. Julian Edelman (confirmed out on Sunday)- dropped his first target. Used for most of their jet motion stuff, but didn't get any handoffs that I saw. Made a couple big catches in the second half, but was responsible for KC's pick-six as the ball went right through his hands. N'Keal Harry (likely out on Sunday)- made a couple catches on third down to keep the chains moving and scored the Pats' only TD on a fade pass to the corner of the endzone where he boxed out the defender. He hasn't lived up to his draft status, but his size is an advantage against most CBs. Pats Run Defense- Held CEH to just 64 rushing yards and 4.0 YPC in this one, but didn't do a good job containing Mahomes when he ran. Noticeably struggled to defend jet sweeps and reverses on TDs by Hill and Hardman. Pats defense appeared to show a weakness towards jet and pre-snap motion and wasn't quick enough to defend sweeps and off tackle runs. Pats Pass Defense- Mahomes picked on Jonathan Jones a bit in this game and he looks like the weak link of that secondary. Ultimately limited Mahomes to just 236 yards and 2 TDs. Only got one sack (Winovich) and Mahomes wasn't really pressured much. Miscellaneous- Zuber (who is normally a WR on their practice squad, likely active on Sunday given their WR injuries) ran the ball on a successful reverse play and sounds like he has been involved in some gadget plays earlier in their season. Pats defense bent but didn't break in this game, forcing KC to settle for FGs more often than not. Cam Newton's absence had a huge impact on this game as New England struggled with turnovers and often stalled in the red zone. However, NE made this more of a game than I expected them to and the final score flattered KC in my opinion. Week 5 Bye October 18th- Week 6 Loss at Home vs Denver (29th ranked offense and 6th ranked defense after Week 6, current record: 2-4) by a score of 18-12: Newton- 17/25 for 157 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs. had a pass batted down which led to an INT on their first drive. Apparently Newton has the highest number and/or percentage of passes batted down in the league, hopefully the Bills D-line can take advantage. It's also insane how long he hung onto the ball at times without feeling the pressure that was coming. All (and I mean all) of Newton's successful throws come as a result of play-action so that's something to watch out for. Newton's arm looked noticeably weaker than I've seen it in the past. Had an excellent run in the 4th quarter that set up NE's only TD of the game which he scored on a QB sneak. Sacked four times. Pats Running Game- Newton was NE's leading rusher in this game. Harris, Burkhead, and White were shut down, combining for only 41 rushing yards. White was NE's leading receiver with 8 catches/65 yards. Julian Edelman (confirmed out on Sunday)- caught 2 balls for 8 yards. Did complete 2 passes of his own on trick plays though. N'Keal Harry (likely out on Sunday)- invisible in this game and slipped on NE's final play of the game (4th and 10). Pats Run Defense- Again struggled on jet sweeps and running plays to the wider areas of the field. Lindsay (101 yards) gave them trouble with his speed (more runs/jet sweeps by McKenzie needed for our match up?). Pats Pass Defense- JC Jackson made a number of good plays (not even including the gift INT from Lock late in the game) and continued his really strong season (I think he's been their #1 CB this year while Gilmore and Jones have both been victimized at times). Denver's TEs seemed to get open a lot vs the Pats LBs and safeties. Got two sacks (Simon and Bentley) and were able to pressure Lock more successfully than in Week 4. Miscellaneous- Pats defense did such a good job of forcing FGs, again giving up yards but tightening in the red zone. On Newton's nicest throw of the day, Ryan Izzo caught the ball over the middle and promptly fumbled. DaeSean Hamilton beat Gilmore in coverage on a deep pass in the 4th quarter that could have put the game away, but dropped the ball as he was crossing the 5 yard line. Drew Lock and Denver's offense literally tried everything to lose this game in the 4th, but ultimately got the win. October 25th - Week 7 Loss at Home to San Francisco (8th ranked offense and 8th ranked defense after Week 7, current record: 4-3) by a score of 33-6: Newton/Stidham- 9/15 for 98 yards, 0 TDs, and 3 INTs. His arm strength looked significantly reduced for most of this game as well. Badly underthrew Meyers on the first INT. Did launch a deep throw at the end of the first half into double coverage that was picked. Newton was benched after his third pick for Stidham who came in and threw his customary INT (remember when NFL Network said we should be worried about this guy becoming the next Brady? LOL). Pats Running Game- backfield was fairly quiet with most of their yards coming well into garbage time already down 27 points. Overall NE had less than 100 yards rushing, but some of this was likely due to game script. Julian Edelman (confirmed out on Sunday)- Used for a lot of their pre-snap motion again, but didn't get any handoffs or chances to throw that I saw. Was responsible for Newton's third INT as the ball tipped off his hands high into the air. N'Keal Harry (likely out on Sunday)- took a hard hit that knocked the ball loose and knocked him out of the game right at the end of the 1st quarter. Jakobi Meyers (4 catches for 60 yards) made some nice grabs in his place. Pats Run Defense- Possibly a harbinger of things to come, Jimmy G broke two tackles and picked up a 3rd-and-long on San Fran's first drive. Even more than NE's past opponents, the 49ers used tons of pre-snap motion which really challenged the Patriots. NE to this point had been very stingy defending inside runs, but SF was able to win at the LoS and ran wherever they wanted. Missed an uncharacteristic amount of tackles by their standards. Pats Pass Defense- Struggled to prevent YAC on short passes in this game, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk gave them fits. Only got one sack (Guy) even though they seem to blitz a lot. The INT from Jimmy G was a simple overthrow. McCourty was in the right place to be fair, but just a bad play by the QB IMO. Kittle dominated, but he does that against everybody so not going to dent NE for that one. Miscellaneous- I will say that Nick Folk has looked automatic in these three games and the Pats have one of the best punters in the league. NE were lucky to recover 2 fumbles in this game that could have made the result even more lopsided. Also, as a side note, I think Fred Warner is the most underrated player in the NFL. That dude is so good, just the dream modern day NFL linebacker. November 1st - Week 8 New England Patriots (current record: 2-4, 25th ranked offense and 25th ranked defense after Week 7) Away vs Buffalo Bills (current record: 5-2, 12th ranked offense and 21st ranked defense after Week 7) Bills On Offense- This is not the same NE defense we are used to seeing from a talent perspective, but the man calling the plays is still the best in the game. I think the Patriots have looked stout up the middle (aside from the SF game), but have looked very vulnerable on the edges. Gilmore is having a down year by his standards, Diggs matches up against him better than any we've had, and the trade rumors are swirling. Winovich can be a dangerous pass rusher, but no one else really inspires fear and based on previous games, I think there should be room for Josh to run. I also believe Beasley and the TEs could have success in this game based on what I've seen from Jones and the Pats LBs. Bills On Defense- as discussed by several of us in the game week thread, a strategy of stacking the box to stop the run and forcing Newton to beat us with his arm seems like the best chance to get the win. The weather looks like it could lead to a more run-heavy game script as well. The Pats should be without a few weapons like Edelman and Harry and I think White is the one player I'd really try to take away in the pass game. Putting a spy on Newton to prevent him from moving the chains with his legs seems like a good idea as well. On Special Teams- NE currently has the 9th ranked special teams in the league. Great punter and Folk is having a strong year. Their kick returner Olszewski seems like a average returner...more quick than fast and had a big fumble vs SF. We need good games out of Bass, Bojo, and Roberts to combat the elements and win the field position battle. Alright thanks for reading! I enjoyed putting this together and will look to do so each week moving forward. The Bills have a tough task ahead of them (division game, losing streak vs the Pats, possible bad weather, etc), but I'm optimistic that Josh has improved a lot since the last time he played NE and as much as people are saying the Pats will be motivated and are playing with their backs against the wall, I'd also venture that they're lacking talent in a lot of places and are in a pretty serious slump. I'm equal parts anxious and cautiously optimistic for Sunday. All the best, stay healthy, and Go Bills!

Two random observations/general wonderings based on this video: 1) It would be awesome to see Josh go full assassin mode next year and wear the dark visor. Would keep the defense guessing a bit on where he's going with the football from not being able to read his eyes and to a way less important extent, looks cool. Are QBs allowed to wear tinted visors (didn't Vick used to wear one?) and how much would it affect their vision? 2) If you were playing away at Denver and practiced in masks for the week or two leading up to that game, would it help you prepare for the altitude/less oxygen? Probably a stupid question but seems like the mask would help you get used to playing without your usual 100% intake of breath.

Still think Dalvin Tomlinson is the far better player and value given his youth, rookie contract, and production...should cost no more than a 4th or 5th rounder.

Seems like a fairly clear correlation between the better teams in the league (minus Washington) and who uses pre-snap motion the most. I thought our offense looked a lot better when we were running more jet sweeps and making the opposing team defend every inch of the field in Weeks 1-4 as you said. Seems like a great week to bring it back given the limited mobility of NE's linebackers. Also, am I the only one who laughs every time I see 'Washington Football Team'? Or even better, the graphic above lists them as 'Tbdname' LOLOL. What a mess that organization is (although Riverboat Ron was a good hire/starting point to maybe MAYBE turning them around).

It's so bizarre...he was objectively a good player last year, made huge strides in coverage from his rookie year, and made some impact plays. Expected him to take another step like Allen, but it's been night and day. The injury is playing a big part I'm sure and the loss of Star as well, but he just looks a bit lost out there more often than we've seen him in the past. As others have said, people are piling on and making him a scapegoat for all of our issues. There are a lot of factors at play. He's still so young and I think he has a great chance to rebound and become the player he was drafted to be.

Honest question...do you have stats handy for this (please and thanks)? My eyes have read it differently I guess...I know Butler can play both (seemingly all our current DTs can and I think that's played a part in the early season struggles), but I thought he was doing well at 1T and getting some push. Butler also has the size/stature to play 1T on paper compared to anyone else on the roster. Oliver and Jefferson are way too small to be playing 1T in my opinion and 3T suits their skill sets a lot better.

Big fan of Joe Marino and his Locked On Bills podcast. A staple of my work days since last season. Always gives informed, reasonable takes. I really like the comprehensive primer he does on the opposition which is usually the Wednesday episodes and the Leftover Thoughts/Injury Round Up/Game Predictions he typically does on Fridays.

Could this be the first game since Week 1 where both Edmunds and Milano are mostly healthy? Maybe 75+%? If so, that's a huge boost to our defense as well. Getting out of the Jets game (I know they are bad, but their defense plays extremely physical. Always hit hard and play to and through the whistle) without any major injuries *that we know of (knocks on wood)* was huge for this team. Hopefully we can return some of the guys on offense too (get well Smoke!).

Agreed, think that's the ideal plan on defense. The one thing I will add to that is having a spy on Newton who is still a threat to run especially this year when he doesn't look comfortable throwing the ball. We need to take away Edelman and force Cam to beat us with his arm. From a personnel standpoint, I thought Vernon Butler has stepped up and begun to take over that 1-Tech role over the past couple games which is great to see (Zimmer has been good there at times as well). This is awesome for our defense for two reasons: 1) those guys provide more size and run stuff ability in the middle and 2) it allows Ed Oliver to play 3-Tech which is where he belongs and he can penetrate and blow up plays. I've seen a few people getting on Oliver's case this year, but other than a few games where he clearly wasn't healthy, I think he's had an excellent second season so far. His impact goes far beyond the stat sheet and I think more production is coming. I also like the juice that some of the younger guys have brought to the defense in recent weeks. Excited to see more from Epenesa, Zimmer, Dane Jackson, etc. Lastly, moving Jerry Hughes back to the LDE spot where he has played in past seasons has provided big returns already. Addison usually plays on the left too and started the season there, but I like the matchup of Hughes' speed and bend versus the opponents' right tackle more. I'm cautiously optimistic about our defense this week. Just hoping that Josh and our offense can level up over our past performances vs NE.

Dalvin Tomlinson please! Good young player especially vs the run. Still on a rookie deal and shouldn't cost more than a mid-round pick.

THIS. Game of inches and slim margins. On a different day, that's 14 more points and we're talking about a much better game for the offense/play-calling/overall team.

Yeah the run game hasn't gelled at all this year. Dimarco and Feliciano are the missing pieces from the team that started this season. Dimarco never seemed effective as a bruising lead blocker to me so have to hope that Mongo will help us improve once he's back and that he was a bigger reason for last year's rushing success than we realized.

Think that's a great shout. Then get me Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in the 2nd (although I think he might be playing himself into the 1st potentially) and we're cooking again. Dude gives me *pre-injury* Jaylon Smith vibes and not just because they both played LB at ND. Speed, instincts, and great vs the run and in coverage. Seems like a McBeane type as well...senior, team captain, hard worker etc.

Yeah even if the Jets have Darnold and Mims back for our game, they won't have Bell or McClendon and whoever Jordan Willis is. Weird trade, why would SF want him? lol But seriously though, the sell-off has started. Bell and McClendon were big players for them that we don't have to contend with now.

Some random thoughts: I think Milano and John Brown should be rested for the Jets game unless they are truly at 100%. I don't want to overlook the Jets, but we need those guys back to their full effectiveness for the upcoming schedule. I also hope Feliciano and Spain can get healthy and come back soon. I think these two were far more important to our run game than we realized. I'd like to see Zimmer and Bryan Cox Jr get more snaps next week. I liked what I saw from both and they made as many impact plays as anyone has on the defensive line this year. Speaking of the d-line, as many others have mentioned, we have missed Star a ton and to a lesser extent Lawson on our run defense. Still don't think Lawson is quite worth his current contract in Miami as I don't think he affects the passer enough, but he was excellent setting the edge. Jordan Phillips was an awful run defender and would not have helped us. In Star's absence, Ed Oliver has been playing at 1-Tech on a significant percentage of snaps and that's not a good thing for him or our defense. I think he's actually been playing a lot better than the obvious stats show and his effort is always top notch. Our strongest defensive line IMO is Hughes-Oliver-Butler-Addison and we should rotate them less if possible. Are Murphy and Harry back this game and if so, are they any more surprise scratches for this week? Would love to know who Beane is speaking with in terms of possibly bringing in some help before the deadline. A speed RB, a run-stuffing DT, and/or another CB would be great, but I know we have a lot less cap room to work with this year.

LOL I know. Yeah seems like he heard our criticism from Week 5 and earlier, that had to have been the best game of his career (sadly we sort of wasted it). I hope he can keep it going, but his issue has always been consistency (punting and holding!!). The Bills always knew he had the leg to boom 72 yard punts and that's why I think they've stuck with him through thick and thin. Hopefully he can use this past game to turn it all around.

Is there anyone on Atlanta's defense worth trying to poach? I think they're about to tear it down and be big sellers at the deadline. Their defense collectively is usually pretty awful, but Grady Jarrett is a nice player, is still only 27 somehow, and has 2.5 sacks from the DT spot already (the question is could we afford him?). Deion Jones and Keanu Neal could be interesting at the right price (although I believe they've lost some of their potential/speed due to past injuries) and an LB I've never heard of before (Foyesade Oluokun) leads the Falcons in tackles and has 3 FF in 2020. @atlbillsfan1975 any insider knowledge on these guys? Not sure how closely you follow the Falcons.