Riding high off a big win over the Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots are set for primetime. They have a big-time divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills coming up on Sunday Night Football.
So before kickoff, let’s get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
What is the Patriots dream scenario in beating the Bills this week? More specifically, how does an ideal start to each half go, and what is the plan of attack on offense, defense and special teams? – jpage1003
A fast start on both sides of the ball would certainly be an ideal opening. Buffalo is not a team you’d like to find yourself in an early hole against like New England has each of the last two weeks. Overall, winning the trenches is key in this game.
Offensively, New England’s rushing attack has struggled ranking dead last in rush EPA (-0.31) and 31st in rushing success rate (29.5 percent). Buffalo has been vulnerable on the ground ranking 28th in EPA against the run and we know Josh McDaniels will have some tricks up his sleeve vs. the Bills in the run game. While the Bills could get Ed Oliver and Matt Milano back this week, the Patriots finding their run game to stay ahead of the chains and keep the ball out of Josh Allen’s hands could be the key.
Defensively, it will be a handful against the reigning NFL MVP that is leading an offense that ranks first in total EPA, pass EPA, and rush EPA. New England could use their cornerback duo to their advantage and play plenty of press-man against a weaker group of receivers as the Bills have feasted on zone coverages with YAC opportunities. But, stopping James Cook (more on him soon) and the Bills’ run game — which uses plenty of motion and heavy personnel packages — is no easy task.
Besides Josh Allen, what makes the Buffalo Bills offense so lethal? They do not appear to have top tier receivers or tight ends. – coolbeanz
James Cook. The Bills have the best rushing attack in football and Cook is a large reason why with the second most rushing yards (401) and 17 missed tackles forced. He’s a threat anytime he touches the football and New England’s run defense that has struggled — especially along the edges — will need to be at the top of their game.
Where are the receivers? Diggs is doing well considering his situation. Hollins is doing as expected or maybe a bit better than expected. Boutte had one good game. That’s it. Otherwise it’s like they disappeared. – cf27
Mike Vrabel has consistently echoed a message when it comes to Drake Maye or the receivers, one he related again last Sunday: “Just throw to the guy that’s open in the progression as soon as he’s open.”
It’s no surprise as we’ve seen the ball spread around before in Josh McDaniels’ offense. That doesn’t mean players aren’t getting open, as there have been more opportunities on film for players like DeMario Douglas or Boutte when the ball goes elsewhere. New England has also ran plenty of 12 and 22 personnel which has led to more work through the air for RBs and TEs.
“I think [Boutte] was our leading receiver in Week 1, and Rhamondre in Week 2, and Hunter in Week 3 and Diggs in Week 4,” McDaniels said. “And I think that’s a sign of the quarterback trying to — let’s throw it to who’s supposed to get it based on the coverage and how they’re playing us and what the right matchup is.“
There’s been several examples of wide receivers drafted in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the last few years that had impactful rookie seasons. (Dell, McConkey, Rice, Pickens to name a few)
Considering that Kyle Williams isn’t exactly stuck behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are you at all concerned that the “Curse-of-Patriots-High-Round-WR-Draftees” hasn’t yet been lifted? – NewEnglandWhalers
There isn’t much concern with Kyle Williams from this point of view. They simply are playing the veteran options over him and are generally getting good results — although if Mack Hollins continues to struggle in the run game (two run stuffs vs. Carolina) the door could open wider for Williams.
But, the coaches seem pleased with Williams’ development behind the scenes and he is still seeing some limited action and schemed touches to work his way into things. I’d expect him to continue to be more and more involved as the season goes on.
1. What’s up with Wallace? Despite the Wilson injury he still wasn’t even active. Guy on practice squad for 3 weeks gets called up.
2. Did you find it interesting that Henderson and Stevenson were in there together? Seems like a good way to create some misdirection. Think it will be used more or just a snap or 2 now and then? – ed.liebfried
The read on the decision to elevate and activate offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes over Caedan Wallace last week was due to Jaimes’ center versatility. I would like to see Wallace in the jumbo tight end role, however.
As for the two backs, it’s no surprise as they dabbled with these looks throughout training camp. McDaniels is getting some of their best and most explosive playmakers on the field (Henderson, Gibson) in unique ways that threaten a defense. As seen by back-to-back explosive runs against Carolina with jet motion, it’s working too as New England has generated +0.79 EPA/play with two backs on the field which is second best in the NFL.
I know it’s just been one game, but with Brown playing well at left guard could there be consideration of Wilson at center? – Ricky Hot Pants
An impressive game from Ben Brown. Worked well out in space on screens and as a puller plus helped lead the way on two touchdown runs. Don’t think we’re at the point now moving him into the starting lineup with Wilson taking over for Bradbury, but that combination with the rookie at center is definitely available to them down the line.
Dr. Gibby looked solid against the Panthers. Do you think he’ll get more playing time this week? – RyeRivers
Jack Gibbens had a very solid game against Carolina with three runs stuffs and a pressure off an interior blitz — in a addition to great work on special teams. He’s good coming downhill in the run game and would be in favor of him taking more early-down work from Christian Elliss.
It’s also worth noting Jahlani Tavai could factor into the equation there as the linebacker is back at practice after starting the season on injured reserve.
Heard on talk radio this morning re: tough-talking NFL head coaches, who would you pick to be your champion in a fight with your life at stake: Dan Campbell, Robert Saleh, or Mike Vrabel? – poindexterregan
While it’s never smart to mess with a bald guy, this would come down to Campbell vs. Vrabel in my mind. We’ll take the home town coach by submission.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
