New England Patriots Friday conversation: Week 4

Hal Bent: Sadly for Blount the spotlight is receding. He should be a big part of the offensive game-plan this week against Buffalo (especially if they dust off their “disguise pass-rush and drop seven or eight into coverage” plan from last week). Sure, he will have another couple of 100 yard games, but when Tom Brady returns and Rob Gronkowski is up to speed (and hopefully running back Dion Lewis returns at some point) but the offense just will not have to lean on Blount and the running game.

Give Blount credit, though, he has come back from his hip injury in excellent shape, is quicker and faster than he was previously, but still is able to pound the ball and has done a great job of getting yards when the opposition and everyone in the stadium knows they are running the ball.

Of course, the biggest contributors to the running game have been fullback James Develin and the offensive line (particularly left tackle Nate Solder). The offensive line shut-down Houston’s three pass rushing former first round draft picks J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, and Jadeveon Clowney on Thursday night. Will the New England offensive line be up to the task of stopping Jerry Hughes, Kyle Williams and rest of the Buffalo Bills pass rush on Sunday?

Next: Connor answers