Okay Rumblers, we’re back at it again with five more questions with Pats Pulpit ahead of the Buffalo Bills’ Week 15 game against the New England Patriots. This week, Taylor Kyles and I dug a little deeper
to find out what’s happening with these teams entering the home stretch of their runs to the playoffs.
The Patriots lead the AFC East at 11-2, while the Bills trail them by two games and are 9-4. It’s a big game for both teams, but Buffalo stands to lose more in defeat — that is, an opportunity to claim the AFC East division crown for a sixth-consecutive time.
New England doesn’t care to hear about that, and they’re ahead of schedule in year one of a rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel. Below, catch up with all Taylor and I discussed about the Patriots, including the idea that New England is unproven and not truly respected yet, and what success now looks like for an 11-2 team. We also dive into what the Patriots may try to exploit in the rematch based on the Week 5 game, how injuries are reshaping New England’s roster, and whether Week 15 is a must-win game for the Patriots.
With that, I turn things over to Taylor Kyles…
1. The Patriots are considered one of the best NFL teams this season. Yet, there remains a fair amount of skepticism. What do you say to those who continue demanding that the Patriots are an unproven team to this point in 2025?
I think it’s fair to question the defense given the unimpressive slate of opponents they’ve faced, but the Patriots’ offense has impressed against some formidable defenses. The team has also shown impressive resilience with their back against the wall, closing out games in all three phases at different points.
New England has its share of flaws, and this game will be a great measuring stick with the team coming off their bye, but I do think they’re a more serious contender than some give them credit for.
2. Now 11-2, what would you now consider as a successful campaign for New England in 2025?
The Patriots are essentially playing with house money at this point. Even center Garrett Bradbury admitted they’re ahead of where he expected in year one of the Mike Vrabel era. As long as they don’t lose a playoff game in embarrassing fashion, I think it’s hard to see this season as anything but a success and major step in the right direction for the organization.
3. In looking back to Week 5, what was the biggest takeaway that you feel the Patriots can better exploit in the rematch?
Drake Maye was impatient against three-man rushes for most of this season and often scrambled despite plenty of time, with the Bills game being a clear example. I’m not sure if Buffalo will go with the same approach given their current lack of defensive line depth, but Maye’s been better at capitalizing against those looks and could turn some dropbacks that were stops last time around into positive plays. I’d also expect more downfield shots this Sunday.
4. Injuries have taken a toll on both the offensive line and defensive line. What has New England done to offset those losses, and how do you see them managing things against the Bills?
With Milton Williams on IR with a high ankle sprain, Christian Barmore spent less time at his usual nose tackle spot and more at defensive tackle, where he’s gotten more one-on-one opportunities. The Patriots have also ramped up their use of blitzes and stunts to make up for Williams’ absence, as well as bumping rookie edge rusher Elijah Ponder inside for more interior athleticism.
Vederian Lowe slid in for Will Campbell when the rookie left tackle went down with a knee injury. The veteran has been solid, if a bit shakier than Campbell, but there hasn’t been a noticeable shift in play-calling. Josh McDaniel was already scheming around having two rookies on the left side, and we’ve seen the same with Lowe on the blindside.
5. Is this a must-win game for the Patriots, looking at the stakes and what’s ahead in a month’s time?
I wouldn’t say must-win given how well the Patriots have set themselves up record-wise, but a loss has the potential to significantly impact playoff seeding. While New England has shown great resilience, a backslide could dramatically affect playoff seeding. This may not be a necessary win, but it is a crucial one.
My thanks again to Taylor Kyles with Pats Pulpit. You can read more of Taylor’s work at his author profile page, which includes my side of the discussion for Bills-Patriots in Week 15.
