What is the New England Patriots’ Game Plan to Defeat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday?
By Hal Bent
Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sideline during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 43-17. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots face off against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium and the week six match-up is an AFC East battle for first place. The Patriots are coming off a 43 to 17 thrashing of the previously undefeated and AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals while the Bills pulled out a dramatic 17 to 14 win over the NFC North leading Detroit Lions. With both teams with three wins and two losses, the Patriots need to continue their dominance over Buffalo. Since the arrival of head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots are 25-3 against the Bills.
The Bills last beat the Patriots in 2011 when that victory broke a fifteen game win streak by the Patriots. Prior to that game, the Bills last beat the Patriots on opening day in 2003 in the infamous “Lawyer Milloy Game”. In both of those losses, there was one common theme: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw four interceptions in both losses. Last season the Patriots had bookend games against Buffalo on opening day and the regular season finale. The Patriots came back to win 23 to 21 on a hard-fought opening day and then cruised 34 to 20 in the last game of the season.
The Patriots have their work cut out for them against a tough Buffalo defense on Sunday. In addition, rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins is emerging as a legitimate star in his first season in the NFL. With Buffalo still having a strong running game still and veteran Kyle Orton stepping in for ineffective second-year quarterback E.J. Manuel, the Patriots will be in for a sixty minute battle against a highly talented squad.
Here is a look at the offensive and defensive game plan for New England to beat the Bills.